Hello!

I am new to the forum so sorry if I am a broken record in advance! :P I own a 1989 Jaguar XJS convertible. The brake light comes on when I start the car, but after a few minutes it turns off. I noticed that the brakes are gradually becoming less sensitive and this leads me to believe I need to change the pads. The last time I had the brakes done was a complete overhaul. My question to the community is if I can just replace the front pads and be okay. Also, is there a step-by-step tutorial? I have helped change brakes on other cars, but never by myself. I was wondering if they were the same as any other set or if I would have to learn something new.

Thanks everyone!
~ JDR

 

Replacing pads is easy. In essence you just pull the retainer pins (two little clips hold them in place), pry the pads away from the disc, pull the pads out, and drop new pads in.

Opening the bleeders eases the job and prevents any crud that might be in the fluid from being pushed back into the ABS system when the caliper pistons are pushed inward.

A simple visual inspection should reveal if the pads are worn down enough to require replacement.

My gut feeling is that you actually have an ABS problem....possibly an accumulator fault. My experiene with the ABS on these cars is limited so I'll let better brains chime in with more info. On the plus side, if it IS an accumulator fault, it isn't expensive or difficult to replace.

Cheers
DD

 

Doug,

During the overhaul I just got the accumulator replaced. I mean, it can be something as simple as brake fluid for all I know, but being that the last time the brakes were changed was roughly 6000-7000 miles ago, I am leaning towards new pads. Again, my knowledge is limited as well. Thanks for the insight and pad replacement tips!

Thanks!
JDR

 

Brake feel will normally remain the same as pads wear....until/unless you get to the point where the friction material is paper thin or metal-to-metal. And unless you're a very hard driver (or there's a defect in the system) should last much longer than 6000-7000 miles.

Brake fluid issues (very low level, leaking, or contaminated) will typically give a spongy and/or low brake pedal feel.

Perhaps you can elaborate on your description of "less sensitive" brake feel?

Cheers
DD

 

I am going to lean towards brake fluid based off your description. Let me give you a quick explanation. Initial (right after overhaul) brakes were much more sensitive. I am a very passive driver in this car because I absolutely adore it and treasure it. I have only had to be heavy on my brakes once or twice in traffic. Over time I have to have pressed farther and farther down on the pedal to get the same results. Instead of being more responsive, they seem more "spongy" as you said, which shocks me because that is a perfect example. I am going to check the brake fluid after work. Let me know if this sounds like brake fluid to you.

Thanks,
JDR