I have standard brakes. Let me start off by saying that i have the correct replacement rotors. I measured the old ones and the new and they both show 28mm which is what my manual shows they should be.

I have compressed the brake caliper with this lang 279 tool.
They are compressed even with the metal lip inside the caliper and the only way to further compress them would start smashing the rubber seal.

I believe this is a pad issue. I have a new set of Wagner MX394A pads. They look correct and fit into the caliper but are too thick to fit over the rotor. I measured each pad (backing plate and all) and both were 20mm thick.

Does anyone else have a set of pads that fit a 98 XJR? Could you measure how thick yours are new?

 

Update. Purchased a second set of pads. Just the cheap autozone ones. Guess what, they fit perfectly.

They measure 17mm thick including backing plate and anti-vibe shim.

So now I need to order brake pads from a company that makes quality pads and knows the correct thickness to make them as Wagner does not know and is distributing 20mm pads.

 

Don't waste time and money on crap pads....fit Akebono...straight outa the box ceramics ;o)

 

Take them back to the store where you bought them: the clerk sold you the wrong pads.

My wagners fit just fine. But after the clerk at Advance Auto gave me pads for a normally aspirated Range Rover Sport, instead of a super charged one: I double check the part number.

 

On your XJ8 did you get the ceramic or the metallic wagners? Were they the same part number as mine?

 

Don't remember; 28 months ago: Wagner's Gold or best series.

 

Ordered
Akebono EUR394A EURO Ultra-Premium Ceramic Brake Pad Set

 

update: pads fit great Akebono EUR394A