Hi Forum, I bought some aftermarket slotted/dimpled rear rotors and red stuff brake pads about a month ago. With all the other stuff going on, I havent gotten around to getting them installed. I went to my mechanic and he couldn't change them because they need a special "tool" or something to tell the computer to release the rear parking brake. I don't want to go back to the dealer if at all possible, so is there a way around this? Thank you.

 

You just need to hold down the parking brake switch while turning off the engine.

 

The parking brake control must be held down until the ignition key is removed from the ignition switch.
Then rear caliper piston must be retracted to put the new brake pads in.This is accomplished by rotating the piston in a clockwise direction.I have attached some pics so you can see what is required.
Some people have accomplished this using point pliers,but a special tool is a lot easier.

 

Thanks Six Rotors, I'll pass this along to my mechanic and see if he's willing to try. The special tool, is it Jaguar proprietary or just a special brake tool?

 

angled needle-nose pliers will work, or an 'angle grinder wrench' works nicely too,

 

A generic tool is available at every car parts store. If your mechanic doesn't already have one, I'd be surprised.

 

Snap ring pliers maybe?

 

I bought a generic one at Harbor Freight and it didn't fit. Ended up using some needle nose pliers. Have to be careful not to tear the rubber. I would like to know where six rotors got his cause it looks nice.

 

Nice tool If you have regular brakes,but i don't think that STR with Brembos need this tool..

 

My tool is a Mazda part from my RX8 days.The Mazda part no is 49-F043-002.
I have also used pliers but it is much easier and cleaner with the proper tool.

 

actually, it's specifically for winding down the piston in the spot calipers on the brembo equipped STR's that we are discussing here.

The pistons in the brembo 4 pot calipers at each corner can be compressed with ease the old fashioned way.

 

Rear brake calipers come in many different shapes and sizes. I've tried cheap adapters and they don't work too well. Especially if the calipers are stuck. You should be able to find an adapter at a local parts store or other stores that sell automotive tools. I have a set similar to the one in the picture and it works great.

 

2000Jaglvr, would you happen to know a part number? I figure I'll just buy it and either DIY or get my mechanic to give it a go. Thanks

 

Bklynchris, Six Rotors has a part number that works for his. See post #10 above. Try to find that one, or go to your local parts store and see if they have one you can borrow. I think most parts stores have tools for rent or to borrow these days.

I don't have a specific PN for a Jag adapter. I bought a full set from SnapOff tools years ago when I was wrenching at a dealer. The picture I posted was from Sears. It's one of many they sell but it did not list Jaguar as a make that was supported.

 

What year did Jag stop using Brembos on the -R?

IOW- does the OP have 'regular' brake calipers or Brembos?

 

2006 I think.

 

Yes, 2006 is when the STR lost the Brembos and went back to the older fixed caliper design.

Any parts store that loans tools will have the brake piston kit. Try AutoZone but as was posted if your mechanic does not have this already it would be a surprise!!

Almost all cars need the pistons rotated to retract them when changing pads.
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Jaguar recommends the Brake fluid be flushed every 2 years. The rear park brake is and EPB or electronic parking brake, so this may or may not apply. I'm thinking if you drain the .4 brake fluid (if you're in the 2 year cycle), the Parking brake may disengage along with the others. (Of course this would only be good if you've got a lift to get the entire vehicle off of the ground otherwise, it'll roll away).

I'm not as talented or as knowledgeable as the other here in this matter, but, there may be some credit to this logic. Members, emptying the brake fluid work to disengage the Rear Parking Brake?

 

The parking brake operates the the piston in the rear caliper mechanically,so the parking brake will hold the car whether there is brake fluid in the caliper or not.

 

Being that the OP's car has Brembos, the discussion about using a tool to screw the caliper piston back in is not applicable. I believe the pistons (plural) push straight back in similar to a front caliper.