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Generic Parts Photos are Driving me Crazy! Anyone else had this Problem?
When it comes to Buying Stuff for your XJS its often more Convenient, if you can do so Online, as I can 'Click and Collect' at Argos which saves me waiting in.
But whether I choose to go 'Click and Collect' or just use the Conventional Post, I've never had much of a Problem when it comes to getting the Stuff.
My problem comes from Ordering Stuff in the first place.
As when Buying Online from somewhere like ebay, all you have to rely on is the Sellers description along with what ever Photos they decide to include.
Which I feel should be enough to describe exactly what you are getting and not just on ebay either but also Parts Suppliers that we have come to rely on for our XJS Spares.
I already had a problem when Ordering Front Brake Pads from a description with Photos, as the ones that I received were a totally different design.
So seeing as lightning doesn't Strike Twice, I recently ordered Rear Brake Pads from a Motor Factors, where once again I had to rely on their
description and Photos of the Brake Pads I though I was going to receive.
What could possibly go wrong?
Well just in case you hadn't guessed, the Brake Pads that I received were of a totally different design to the ones I ordered and had every reason
to believe were the ones I would be getting.
Yes! I'm sure that they would fit and probably be just as good but that isn't the point.
It really isn't much different to ordering Pirelli Tyres only to find that they have decided to send you a different make.
I wonder how many XJS Owners would be happy with that.
'Generic Photos' don't you just love em.
I wanted the Brake Pads with the Groove as shown in their Photo and they sent me these instead.
Last edited by orangeblossom; Jan 2, 2017 at 11:06 AM.
I hear and share your frustration. What you are describing has rankled me for ages. I can only assume that not enough people are bothered, or simply don't call out the sellers. No squeaky wheels = no grease. "Grease" in this case would be accurate descriptions of parts and sending what has been described and advertised ....rather than substitutions.
Not just me then, I bought these on ebay and though I'm intending to send them back, I've got all the hassle of packing them up and taking them to the post office.
Then I've got to re-order them from another Supplier and hope for the best.
Air Filters... they will have the old picture of pre-ABS air filters with the part number for the newer shorter one for the ABS cars and you have to BUY them on FAITH and hope...
Part numbers have worked out ok for me so far! yes it could drive you NUTS
Like Girling/Ferodo pads, no chamfers or lines cut in them at the time they were factory fitted! (As I realise Mikey knows) brakes are a specialist sub system developed by the brake manufacturers, the car makers only give testing feedback, obviously. If 40 years on the brake makers change things a bit pad-wise, it does not signify much except they have done a bit of (in this case) anti-squeal/pad contact development.
Greg
All my XJS's have had the Pads with the Groove and since they have worked very well in my Cars, I am very reluctant to change them for a totally different design.
As for any Pad squeal, I've never notice any so its really a personal preference of using the equipment that I'm used to.
The Same goes for Tyres, all my Cars have had 15 inch Pirelli and although that size is quite hard to obtain, they stick to the road like glue.
So while there maybe a wider choice if I go up a size, I don't want to Spend £800 on something else and then find I don't like them.
No! I did not get Anti Squeak plates and for a very good reason, when Greg helped me get my XJS back on the road again after a long lay up.
I renewed the Calipers and the Brake Pads that came with Anti Squeak plates, although I didn't have any idea what they did or what they were for at the time.
They played absolute havoc with the braking system by causing the Pads to Jam and used to squeal like crazy, even on very slow corners.
So eventually we decided to chuck them in the bin and everything was perfect after that, so as for Anti Squeak plates.
1. Back to pre on line parts buying. You take off the old part, march down to the "real" parts store. We have one and one that is almost one. Give the counter man the make and model and show him the old one. Usually works just fine. But, at times, "don't see those anymore", but these should do just fine. Usually right.
2. As already stated, different brake part makes vary the design a bit as to pads. Some for unknown reasoning, and some for "customer satisfaction", aka no sqeal or judder!!! Bed easily. Last a decent interval. Asbestos no longer used.
3. I've changed my share and more of brake shoes and brake pads in different critters. The last were the front ones on my Jaguar. Very straight forward. But, a bit different, as they came with the tin anti squeak part and goop as well. Both the pads and the tin took a bit trimming to fit the ways in the caliper smoothly. Came pout just fine. Oh, the Jag pins had little anti rattle springs. I forgot to install them. And, I doubt their further function. Heat cooked them into mere wound up maleble wire, or merely brittle, no spring left. Rock Auto sourced. Name brand, good price. All good.
3. I did have an occasion to visit the "almost" old parts place. Two things needed.
Small torque 1/4" drive sockets. Parts lady very helpful. Out on display on one of the many racks. Great.
And, Propoleyne (sp) glycol anti freeze. I checked on line and the site showed they had it under the Peak brand. Not so. Parts lady unaware of what I had in mind. I read the back of their Peak containers. No mention of "Sierra", the Peak designation.
theirs clearly said Etheylene Glycol. I passed.
Another place to go that might have it. Nope. Ended mission. Bought the house brand of the Ethelene stuff. Just needed to top off the Jaguar. Reluctantly, I used it.
Animal safety in mind.
Its quite a long drive to my Parts Store so by the time you add on the cost of the Petrol for getting there and back.
Its cheaper and quicker to order On-Line as my Brake Pads arrived the Next day at no extra Cost.
The only problem being, that the Parts they sent me were different to their 'Generic Photo'
So I don't think I'll be using them again.
Trying tomsave money, you've got more fuss to go through... Return forms and maybe even p&p at your cost and then the question: will they accept the return and maybe even charge a restocking fee?
It would have been easier to go to you parts store
Generic Parts Photos are Driving me Crazy! Anyone else had this Problem?
