I've had an intermittent/rotating metal sounding noise out of the left front wheel. Maybe a brake pad dragging on the rotor, sticking caliper....just not sure. The front rotors are worn pretty good, but still have decent stopping power.

I was thinking of getting 4 new rotors, and some EBC pads, since I don't know when the last owner serviced the brakes. I've read a lot of discussion here about the slotted/drilled rotors, which I really don't need.

So, any good sources for the stock/plain rotors? I could have a local mechanic here install them. Never did brakes before...

I priced on autopartswarehouse 4 EBC plain rotors around $290, plus EBC redstuff pads around $190-front&rear. Is this any good?

Thanks!

 

I got replacement rotors for my XJ from R1 Concepts. They have been perfect so far. I just got the plain ones as I do not do any racing in the car.

http://www.r1concepts.com

 

I put brembo rotors on my front, probably just as good as the EBCs. Consider the Akebono Euro ceramics Dave, I had EBC reds and the dusting was considerably bad. Less than factory pad, but still...the akebonos are much less.

Here's a link to everything you may need from Tire Rack. (no rear rotors, sorry) I bet the caliper guide pins just need some good lube, don't neglect that part.

 

Thanks Guys, I will look into these suggestions.

Funny though the car brakes great, just that occasional rotating grinding noise. it's very annoying.

 

Matt, I just saw your comment about giving the caliper guide pins a lube. I'll give that a shot, but I really don't know much about the inner working of a caliper, or what lube to use.

 

I loved my Hawk pads on my '98 XK8. Good stopping, low dust, low/no noise. And they lasted decent.

 

If you want to do this real quick, its a matter of removing the wheel then those pins. The lube is called caliper grease, synthetic...found at any store.

I can get you the torx size if you like, no need to start the project w/o making sure you have the correct tools for the job.

 

That would be great Matt. I do have a set of torx bits.

 

Grinding sounds can come from worn out pads or worn out or damaged wheel bearing unit...it sounds like the bearings to me. Try lifting the car and wiggling the wheel, how's the play feel?
Also be sure the caliper frame is tight on the spindle.

 

I thought of the wheel bearings also, but with the low miles (50k approx) I'd predict they would last a little longer, but they can be an issue. Worth a little inspection time I agree.

If the brakes are original, and if the first owner let it sit for long periods (dave is the 2nd owner it appears, that isn't much driving since 99), that's why I am guessing sticking brake calipers.

I watch Wheeler Dealers quite a bit, and whenever cars sit around, the brake pistons gunk up, sometimes corrode. I'd take the pads off while lubricating the pins, and check to make sure nothing is holding back the piston either.

 

Thanks oldmots, I'll check that out too! I had her out today for a short drive, and sure enough get the grinding noise. Now this seems to occur soon after I've applied the brakes. Sometimes I can get it to go away by braking again.

I noticed it the first time about 3 weeks after I got the car when braking. Something is sticking. I'm going out of town (no not taking the Jag it will be garaged) so it will be next month until I can look at this.

 

7mm Dave

 

Well the car sat for a week. Got back in town, drove her about 100 miles over 3 days, short trips, did some hard braking at times. Strangest thing...No noise! I'm still going to check things out, at least lube the caliper pins for now.

Maybe she missed me and was playing nice