I have an 2002 XK8 with 61,000 miles on it. I bought it two years ago with 35,000 miles on it. I was getting a big vibration last summer when I hit the brake at speeds over 60 mph. I took her to the dealer because I figured the rotors were shot and they told me I needed to replace the lower front bushings and they wanted a grand to do the job. I bought the bushings and replaced them myself and it helped a little but not for long. Then I replaced the rear lower bushings and again it helped for a little while but now it is REAL bad. I took the car to an independent shop to see what it would cost to have them do the upper bushings and he told me straight away it HAD to be the rotors.

Anybody got any suggestions? From everything I've read here it seems I can replace the rotors myself. I don't mind doing any of the work, I am just wondering if there is a way to tell what the real issue is.

You guys are always such a great help. As always, I truly appreciate the input.

 

Based on the relatively low mileage, I would have thought it was rotors first. Based on the way the car is acting, it sure could be rotors. I just had the exact same thing on my Dodge. You can check by jacking up the wheels and checking for steering slop. If no play in the front end-- change or resurface the rotors. MC

 

Before you replace the rotors make sure the caliper pins are lubed and sliding (if these cars have moving calipers...can't remember offhand). If they are crudded up or rusted and sticky it won't matter how many new sets of rotors you try.

I replaced the whole setup a few years ago and really like the swap. There's some very good aftermarket components out there at very reasonable prices.

 

I have experienced this with other cars as well and it has been a rotor issue. Sounds like another reason to avoid the dealer.

 

Right. But there's usually a reason rotors warp or get damaged.

 

Buck,

My vote is for brake rotors and were it me I would go to Harbor Freight and pick up a cheep dial indicator kit and measure the run out myself. I'm surprised none of your serv providers have done this.

As a general rule, rotors turned down to the minimum allowable spec should be replaced. Many folks turn em down to min spec and say you are good to go but rotors should be replaced at min spec.

And, if you do the rotors you usually must do the pads. If you do the pads you don't necessarily have to do the rotors.

 

I got under the car with the repair person and all the bushings were tight as a drum. He did check the rotors and all four need replacing but the front two were real bad. Oddly though the pads still had quite a bit of life in them.

The car has always had mild vibration at highway speeds. The repairman did not think the tires that were on the car were "sidewall rated" for the Jag. I've had it for two years and they are the tires that were on it when I bought it. He's going to recommend tires so I will be back on the forum checking his suggestions.

Sooooo I had him replace the front brakes and rotors first. I will take care of the back ones and the tires next. Picking it up today so I hope it is significantly better.

 

Check your hub carrier and hub assembly. We a situation of vibration and that was source. Also not sure if the photo of the assembly is for your car.

 

Also when you look under the car again look at the tie rods if they are worn and you have a slight warp in the disk a worn tie rod will only magnify the problem. Also it has been said that improper torque on the lug nuts could cause warpage of a disk

 

The car driving 95% better with the new brakes and rotors on the front. I will do the back brakes and tires soon and will check the tie rods, etc. It was not really on my radar to look for a cause behind the problem but it sure makes sense that this could happen again. Thanks guys.

 

That is good to know. I hope the rest is as easy and uneventful.