I have a new to me 2006 XJ with 93,00 + miles there is a need for new brakes pads and rotors for the rear, the rotors seem to be scared pretty bad, what should th cost be to replace those parts and is it a hard job to do at home?

 

hi all i know very little about cars, i know what the pads are (thank the lord!) but have no idea what rotors are or when they need changing etc. can anyone shine mahoosive light on it for me please?

 

US=Rotors, UK=brake discs. They are discs that the pads bear on to brake the car. Pads are mounted in calipers which press the pads against the disc via hydraulic pressure intiated by pressing the brake pedal.

Only problem with DIY replacement of rear brake discs and pads is the resetting of the electronic hand (park) brake. I believe this can be done fairly easily, and no doubt somebody will post on how its done.

Pads and rotors are not too expensive, (even at Jaguar dealers), unless you have the Brembo brakes. Have a look on the internet.

 

Worn out rear pads at 15000 miles is unusual in my experience. On the other hand, I see people race to the stop light every day!

 

Reason the rears seem to wear out so quickly is that the car as well as the driver uses them ! Lots of manufacturers of high performance cars have eliminated limited-slip differentials, and use the rear brakes to stop wheel spin. They are able to do this by pigg-backing on the anti-lock brake system that can determine if a wheel is slipping.

Some makers have reintroduced LSDs, in fact, I think one of the latest Jaguars has this, but not sure which.

 

I think to disengage the parking brake...hold it down (off position) while turning off the car.