Got my new pads and rotors from brakeperformace.com yesterday. Replace the fronts just fine, but the back is really irritating me right now. Any tricks for knocking out those blasted pad retaining pins? I got one that's stuck in there so tight that I might have to cut it out! After whacking away at it for an hour it won't budge at all.

Dealership wants over $100 for the "kit" (2 pins and metal bracket). Local place said they have a kit in the computer wasn't sure what was in it and they're suppose to call me back here soon.

I'm just frustrated......


On a side note, is there a special trick for pushing the pistons back in on the e-brake?

 

The piston screws C/W into the caliper- it cannot be pushed back in. There's a tool available to assist in doing this.

 

I think he says (& means) the Brembo pins. I had one VERY stuck. I think they heat/corrode in.

Maybe heat, preferably a LOT and suddenly so an oxy torch. (I don't have one.)

 

I think you are experiencing the joys of living in the rust belt!!

You will destroy the pins. I would go ahead and order the kit now.
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It's rust hell here...

(Though it's not rust as the pins are non-iron and the caliper likewise. Salty water splashes cause mayhem, though.)

 

I thought the later type Rs had regular (non-Brembo) brakes (?)

 

Yes, that's right. From 2006 I think.

 

I noticed once I got the pads off.

I just can't see spending $100 for two little pins. That's ludicrous!


I finally walked the mile to the store to buy a pin punch set, wish I had that from the start. Cleaned the pins with some pb blaster and wire brush and got everything back together finally.

My calipers just say jaguar on them, but the e-brake says brembo, so I'm not sure. Mine's a 2003.

I have a question though about the e-brake. Is it used in braking the car at all or only applied when I park it?

 

Wow- I need new glasses. Could have sworn your car was a 2008.

 

Yes the STR had 4 piston Brembo’s in the front with 2 piston Brembo’s in therear from 2003-2005. 2006-2008 models dropped back to the standard singlepiston/sliding caliper setup. Also lost the separate disc emergency brake. Itwas combined with the rear caliper like on most cars.

The parking brake is only used when you apply it or when the car is placedin park and shut off. Watch the dash board when you shut the car down and youwill see the red brake light come on for a second or two then go off.

Glad you got the pins out! Saved some money. You should check the emergencypads because with the age and miles of the 2003 model you probably need them.

They are available after market but they are hard to find.
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The EPB is also the emergency brake and applies when moving if you lift the paddle. It applies differently according to the speed. (See JTIS for gory details.)

Over here it is tested annually during MoT (on a rolling road type thing).

On a 2003 those great big calipers, front & rear, are Brembos.

 

Already looking for a place to order them, they definitely need replaced. Along with several bushings in the rear suspension.

I was driving down the highway one day and my friend was riding with me. She saw that lever and was like, whats this do and pulls it!

 

Yes it's a bit weird and I am not sure what function it provides but JAGV8 is right you can apply it in stages if the car is moving.
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The EPB will not activate if the gas pedal is off the idle position or if cruise control is engaged.

 

Are you sure Mikey? I'm pretty sure you can apply it while driving.

 

Don't try this at home, but you can only activate the electric park brake while the car is in motion by lifting the lever three times in quick succession.

Just lifting it once while underway won't engage it, it'll just give you a warning beep.

 

If you take your foot off the gas first, yes you can apply it. It will release as soon as the pedal is touched again.

This is a Canadian spec. 2003 w/4.2L non-R. YMMV.

 

I feel an experiment coming on.

 

Don't do it Norri.

 

Do it, do it!