I have a 2001 Jag S type Sport and I'm having a issue with my brakes. the scraping has caused my rotors to have a "LIP" and my pads are worn down on the inside. My calibers are still working but I was told I need pads and rotors. My question is if I am only going to keep the car another maybe 2 years is it ok to get an alternative? besides the dealer everybody is about $80 - $100 in Labor but the parts are where the difference comes in.

Jag Dealership = $500
Tires Plus = $260 (12 month warranty)
O'Relily = $105 - $170 (Lifetime warranty) [Best Brakes, Wagneer, & Bosh]
Napa = $110 - $220 (12 month warranty) [true stops, safe stops, & napa]
Auto Zone = $65 - $110 (Lifetime warranty pads & 2yr rotors) [auto zone]
Advanced Auto Parts = $70 - $115 (limited life time warranty)

also how important is it to have ceramic?

 

Many/most of us are using aftermarket pads and rotors. Some are good, some are crap. What store you buy them at is not important, you need to find out who the manufacturer is and do your research from there.

 

ok thanks Mikey...

does it matter if they are ceramic or not? I definitely want lower dust

 

With this vehicle being a XKR, must have dual calipers wit dual bleed ports. It appears one side of caliper bleeds, but other will not expell any air or fluid. Maybe the cross over port is clogged or piston on that side is stuck? Just a thought as no experience with dual caliper bleed ports.

 

The OP's car is a 2001 Jag S type Sport. Are you sure your response about dual calipers is posted to the correct forum...?

 

As Mickey said, get brake parts from major brake manufacturers - ones that supply car manufacturers (e.g. TRW, ATE, Bosch, Ferodo, etc.). They are all fine. If you want a ceramic type, the TRW TPC0805 (front) and TRW TPC0806 (rear) are good and well priced in the US.

Find out what is being fitted and check first that they are respectable before making your decision.

 

A brake job is one of the easiest things a do-it-yourself mechanic can do on a car. If your 2001 is like the 2006 I changed brakes on, you will need to get a specialty tool to push the pistons back in while the tool rotates its way in. That is different than many cars on which you simply press the piston straight back. When I did this, Advanced Auto Parts loaned the tool to me (pay for it in full and then get all of your money back when you return it). This forum has the instructions. Ceramic=No dust black ugly dust and does not cost a ton more. You will save a lot of money doing it yourself, but give yourself a few hours on a day off.

 

As CThomas just said, the work involved is fairly simple. Fronts are easiest because you don't have to wind the pistons in (that's only the rears as the parking brake works with the same piston). The earlier front calipers have 2 pistons and these should be pressed back together (piece of wood and a G-clamp works).

Ceramic pads are cleaner but good non-ceramics don't seem to be as bad as others. Most ceramics seem to have less initial bite so is a trade-off one should be aware off.

 

My 03 w/stock brakes look newer but man do they dust! They are smooth and stop very well. But.... these stock Jag pads overly dust IMO.
I'm considering changing them to the brand Akebono which have worked excellent on my other car.