I have this annoying tinny rattling sound every time I go over some small imperfection in the road (like a manhole cover, crack, etc.). At first I thought it might be the license plate, which wasn't attached at the bottom. Then I read something from a person who had a similar problem, but that it went away if he applied the brakes slightly. That wasn't the case for me, but it gave me an idea.

What I found is that if I pulled up on the parking brake just slightly, to where I could barely feel the brake touching the rotor, the problem went away. In fact, if I just pull it up one click, which doesn't even turn on the brake light, the rattle is way less pronounced, but still slightly there.

I have the service manual, and instructions for adjusting the parking brake. I figure the problem is either with the cable or the space between the brake and the rotor (I may not be using the right terminology).

Anyway, I plan on making that adjustment and see if I can get this rattle to go away...because, there's nothing like driving down the road in a luxury car and sounding like you've got empty soda cans in the wheels.

BillDJohnson
99 XJ8 VDP

 

I have described this rattle noise and adjustment in posts years ago. I adjusted the handbrake rear cable as part of normal service when I was at the dealer.
I found this fault more common on XK8 but it happens on the XJ8 also.

You need to tighten the 13mm nut on the handbrake adjuster under the car. The rear brake pads have NOTHING to do with the hand brake shoes and manual adjusters.

Turn the nut and tap the cable until the noise stops. Do not over tighten the cable to cause brake shoe wear.

Applying the foot brake does not affect the handbrake (they are separate).

It is best to adjust the 'star wheel' on the shoes first, then tighten the cable to take up the slack. The hand brake is NOT SELF ADJUSTING!!!!

bob gauff