Hi,
Well, tough day. I just ran over a nail which means I have to purchase a pair of new Pirelli's. While they were diagnosing the flat they found I need new front brakes, it's been 30,000 miles, guess I'm not too surprised.

The last time I had them replaced, they told me I needed new rotors at a different shop. I didn't question it. Today, the gentleman explained that Jaguar uses a softer metal for the rotors to increase performance, due to that they can never be re-cut.

If you don't mind I wanted to verify that statement about the rotors. Is that true? He wants $160 per side for a rotor BTW. I wante to ask - how bad would it be to just replace the pads? Of course if the rotors aren't true I'll have pulsiing, but there is none now, what do you think? Could I get away with replacing the pads in my driveway safely?

Thanks, John

 

If the rotors are above the minimum tolerance are flat and true,then no,the brakes will be the same as they are now.

Most disc rotors have the minimum tolerance stamped into them and are easily checked using a vernier caliper. Hot spots are an issue if you have been heavy on the brakes but unlikely.

Two sets of pads on the same rotors is to be expected I would have thought.

 

John, let me add that if you can replace pads, doing the rotor will be all total 4 bolts, , two of those are allen and 2 socket which are the only others that need to come off on each side. Your biggest issue is getting the rotor off if it's stuck. It will take a three blade puller and some banging and clanging.
Check your rotors now by running a finger from the inside to the out, if you run into a ridge on the outside a replacement is in order. Lots of places to get rotors for less than $50, good ones at that and of course $70 will get you drilled or slotted.


Wayne

 

My wife's 2006 XK8 (87,600 miles) is currently on its third set of front brake pads and second set of rear brake pads, all with the original factory rotors. I run semi-metallic pads. If you run ceramic pads, they're generally harder on rotors and will therefore create a need for more frequent rotor replacement....

 

hog .... wash on both counts, and he is no gentleman.

yes, a pad-slap in your circumstances is perfectly fine.

if you feel so inclined, you can buy a micrometer to measure the rotor thickness
out of your savings.

the minimum service thickness is stamped on each rotor, or you can find it in
the specifications booklets.

minimum service thickness is the minimum specificed thickness allowable to
be placed into service with new pads. the further wear occurring after that
is already rolled into that specification.

 

Looks like I'm about to learn how to change the pads on my XK8. Thanks to all and happy new year.

John

 

Changing the pads on an XK8/XKR is a fairly simple process. A good tutorial can be found at https://www.jaguarforums.com/forum/x...63/#post189136