My 99 XJ8l is in need of a brake job. It has 43,000 miles on it. Pedal goes down pretty low

with not much stopping power. I checked the fluid level and it is fine.

What is a reasonable price to pay for new brakes? Im assuming front and rears needs

replacing.

Thanks,

Jim

 

You really need to take it to someone and have it looked at -- my fronts did not last to 43k -- the rears are fine at 52k. I was able to just replace the pads at 27K -- I will be replacing the front pads and rotors this summer.

Have they ever been replaced? - making any sounds?

Not knowing any history of the car - can't help any more. And the price will depend on how you fix it.

 

You should look and see what the pads look like. With most brakes (like Yeldogt said) the front pads are the first to go. The rear pads generally last about twice as long. If the front pads are all you need, it's a relatively simple job to replace them. If you take it to a dealer or even most indie shops, they will undoubtedly tell you you need to spend $2,000 on pads, rotors, fluid flush and maybe a caliper or two. The fluid flush or drain and refill is a good idea though anyway.

 

Thanks to Yeldogt and Jimmy for the reply. The car hasnt had any previous brake pad

replacement. They are not making any noises , it just feels like it takes a lot of pedal

movement to stop. Im sure the local Jag dealer would say I need a complete brake job,

but dont know any recommended indy shops. Can generic brake shops like Meinike

do this or is that a really bad idea. ?

 

Recommended fluid change is every two years. Since it is an open system, the pedal will feel mushy because of moisture collected in the fluid over time.

 

Having a decent mechanic is a nice thing to have - you get your oil changed he looks over the car -- Tells you you will be needing in 5k miles. No surprises.

Even my local Jaguar has discounts on oil changes and check ups for less than you may think. I stay away from the chain places for most stuff - its hit or miss. The brakes are straight forward but the flush need to be done correctly -- I believe my local Jaguar dealer charges $125.00 for a flush.


You will have to have the fluid changed with the correct fluid -- and the brakes looked at. If the front rotors are within specification all you will need to do is put on pads - $90.00 at an online Jaguar dealer parts department. The Jaguar rotors are $280.00 -- for a matched set. Prices are online wholesale w/o shipping.

I bet the rears will be fine.

You can find aftermarket parts cheaper if you wish..

Good luck

 

Brake jobs can cover a wide range of work (pads only to a full rebuild and lines) so costs can vary dramatically. If you have a decent set of tools and know your way around them, there's plenty of info on here to get you through a pad replacement. Routine pad replacement is the best way to prevent the higher cost jobs. I do a lot of my own work, but had mine in the shop for tires and was told I'd need rear brakes soon so I had them do it while it was on the rack - pads and labor cost me 150.00 at the same shop that does tires for all my cars and charged me 160 for new a new caliper and line, and a set of rear pads on my MX5. Evidently nothing out of the ordinary with jag brake maintenance unless you ask a dealer or dedicated indie shop.

 

Hi
Here is the webpage link to the Brakes Brades Pads thread posted last Sept:
https://www.jaguarforums.com/forum/j...10/#post242630

It has a number of postings on Pads and Rotors with where to buy, brands and prices.

Advanced Auto Parts online promo code expired at the end of day (4/15/2010). Code A123 gives a discount of 40% ($20 off of $50 order) on almost everything they sell online. No shipping charges if ordered online and choose pickup at local Advanced Auto Parts store.

Jim Lombardi

 

No car manufactured since the 1960s has an open system- there is a diaphragm separating the fluid from the atmosphere. If left undisturbed, little or no moisture will enter the system via master cylinder.

A constant low pedal as described by the OP would not be due to moisture contamination. Water is no different than any other fluid being that it is incompressible. Aside from corrosion issues, it can only causes brake pedal problems if raised past the boiling point and turns to vapour which in turn is compressible. This vapour will condense back to water once cooled below the boling point and the low pedal condition will disappear.

If the OP is not comfortable with doing his own brake work, a local garage could at least do an inspection to determine the present condition of rotors, pads and calipers. I'm betting on at least one seized caliper and possibly a damaged inner rotor surface.