Hello everyone,
I just purchased a 2005 S-type R and might I say what an INCREDIBLE car!!! I am in love. I purchased it in Atlanta, GA and drove it back to Phoenix, AZ. I had a blast!!! I have a quick question though, I think it might need front brake pads as it shimmys in the front when I put the brakes on. I was wondering, for something like that, would I be OK taking it to my mechanic or should I go to the local Jaguar dealer for all maintenance? After my trip, I'm a little financially challenged

 

Congratulations on the new car.

There's nothing special about the brakes, any competent mechanic can do them for you, or you could do them yourself if you are that way inclined.

I guess you have Brembos so here is a great video by member vance580 (Chris) to help you http://www.youtube.com/user/vance580#p/u/11/FF0IF_nrVio

 

Welcome!

They're really easy to change - DIY, for most.

Measure the discs (rotors) in case they're worn too thin.

I doubt shimmy is due to worn brakes but others will have better ideas I expect. I'd go for suspension, maybe bushes. Er, check your tires of course (pressure, wear, makes the same, etc).

If you do go for pads, if brake dust will annoy you get the EBC pads - likely the redstuff ones (Search for info).

 

Do you feel the pulses through the brake pedal when applying the brakes? I'd hazard a guess that you might be due for rotors as well as pads if that is the case. How many miles on the car?

Akebono's are also very good for stopping and low dust. The dealer quotes for brake pad/rotor replacement will give you a stroke. DIY this one or if you have a good indy shop maybe get a quote from them.

Congrat's on the purchase and hope to hear how it works out for you.

 

Thanks guys! If I have to buy new tires, can you recommend a good brand? Forgive my ignorance, this is my first Jag. And boy, she's a beauty. Did I mention I was in love with it already? :-)

 

Hello and thanks for the reply. No, i don't feel anything through the brake pedal. But she does shake rather well when I apply the brakes. It had 74.9k....now it has 77.7k. I did a little driving in it. lol.

 

Congrats on the new car! Frequently the 'thumping' or shimmy felt in the brake pedal is simply caused by a build-up of pad material. Ask your local garage to inspect for that, if so it's easily removed with an angle grinder and abrasive disk.

 

I'm not going to recommend a brand of tyre for you, that would be like saying which brand of oil is best.
However I would advise taking a look at this thread, read the whole kaboodle if you are inclined, if not take note from post #42 for advice on the alignment settings.
https://www.jaguarforums.com/forum/s...q-34962/page3/

Thanks again to Brutal.

Incidentally how do the inside edges of your tyres look?

 

I recently just swapped to cross drilled and slotted rotors (shameless plug: I'm selling 4 freshly turned rotors)...biggest tip if doing the rear, hold the parking brake lever down while removing the key from the ignition...Otherwise, your parking brake will engage...

 

just came from the mechanic guys. it appears the dealer did a "pad job" on me. he basically put brand new pads on the car but didn't change the rotor. so, the front passenger side rotor is warped. not going to be too expensive to fix. something like $250. now i feel better. he said the car was in excellent condition otherwise. whew! thx for the help guys. i really appreciate it!

 

Before you bother changing the rotor try this:

get out on a deserted road and pull 5 hard rolling stops from 40+ mph to 5 mph without completely stopping ... on the last stop just roll out your speed until stopped without touching the brakes then sit and let the brakes cool for 10 minutes.

this gets rid of any deposits on the rotor that might be causing the shimmy feel.

If you still need to replace the rotor, you should replace both sides.