As govatos mentions, Tire Rack is the way to go. Summit also carries them but I have been a Tire Rack customer since 1986. Apparently per my former trusted mechanic (former because I relocated) there are a few machine shops that have been able to turn the rotors, the biggest issue appears to be the outer "lip" but it has been done.

 

EBC Reds are recommended by Brutal (one of our resident techs) he likes them for aggressive braking needs.

I went from OEM pads, to EBC Reds, then Akebone euro ceramics on the front. OEMs crazy dusty...EBC Reds were a little better, but the Akebonos were absolutely perfect on the dust elimination. They aren't as reactive as the OEM or the EBC Reds, but I didn't need that king of response, so the slight compromise wasn't an issue. I wanted minimal dust.

 

The Akebono pads are still effective, though, right? I take you to mean that they work well, but they don't have the same feel (maybe the same initial bite?) as the other pads. Or do they actually not work as well, requiring more effort and taking a longer time to stop the car?

 

One month ago, I had a very gratifying experience replacing the front rotors and pads on my 04 XJR.

Good source of info is alldatadiy.com. For around $25.00 I have acces to technical info on the car for one year.

Instead of Brembo: Eurospare Rotors; Akebono Euro Ceramic Pad Set.

Ordered from IRP online. For $448 I got front & rear rotors and pads.

Have not yet replaced rear because I'm still doing some research on the Brembo rear parking brake calipers on my car. They seem to be different from the ones in the technical bulletins I've read.

Since my car is 11 years old and only has 30K miles, I was very reticent to do this myself. The original pads and rotors were starting to squeal a bit even though the pads appeared to have plenty of depth; however, the rotors seemed to have some pretty deep ridges.

While I haven't read all the posts carefully, the ones I have do not include all of the steps, at least from my experience. I strongly recommend getting your own technical info from a bona fide source.

I really love this car and have enjoyed the pleasure that working on her has brought.

Here's to smooth roads for you and your XKR!

Steve

 

 

No prob. That's what I figured you meant, but I wanted to be sure. Thanks!

 

I'm running the Akebonos as well... one of the best "mods" on the car - zero break dust and squeel, and perfectly fine for light spirited driving!

 

I actually like the Akebono's better because I can stop the car a lot smoother. Less slow moving grabbing. They have never failed me in a panic stop either! Not to mention NO BRAKE DUST!!

 

I just had the chance to stop by the local independent (Rene at European Auto Service--who happens to be Mina Gallery's dad). I wanted his opinion on pads for the rear and he suggested Akebono. From browsing around other threads here it looks like most are pretty happy with that choice (decent stopping and less noise and dust). I don't imagine there will be a problem having the OEM pads on the front and new Akebono on the rear?

By the way while we were talking Rene was looking over the car and running his fingers up and down the body seams and surfaces and ended by looking under the hood. He ended up telling me the car looked like it just came from the showroom (outside and inside). A pretty nice compliment since he sees bunches of Jaguars and other European vehicles.

Doug

 

I am confused by the number of people on here saying go for the Akebono's.

Akebono doesn't make brake pads for the front wheels of XKR's as of Nov. 10, 2011, when their Director of Sales emailed me:

Unfortunately, we do not cover the front pads for the XKR, we have the rear pads only because they are common to the S-Type Jag and some Volvo applications. We only sell here in North America and Australia. I've had several inquiries from Europe and send the link to our on-line retailers. I've never had anyone write me back and let me know if they could buy them or not to be honest with you!

http://trustakebono.net/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=50&It emid=101

Thank you,

Tommy Rivera
Akebono Brake Corporation
Director of Aftermarket Sales and Product Development
Phone: 270-234-5538


So what the are people putting on the front wheels.

Is there anyone out there that has actually put Akebono's on an '03-'04 XKR with Brembos?

cheers and Happy Holidays,

jj

 

The only pads I need currently are rears. But what I was asking is whether or not there is a problem by mixing and matching (OEM on fronts and Akebono or other on rear).

Doug

 

I'm setup just opposite of you. I have OEM on the rear and put akebono on the front in September. I haven't noticed anything adverse.

 

Please refer to my previous post in this thread for what I used; the replacement pads and rotors I used are excellent & I have no noticeable dust to contend with.

As to brake fluid flush: Around $100 in Bellevue, WA at Jaguar John's at Parkplace LTD; I suspect the dealer would have been twice that. John is one of the nicest people I've ever dealt with re cars. I suggest checking with your local Jag Club(s) to see if there is a similar guy in your neighborhood.

We are very fortunate to have Jag John as an alternative to the local dealers. The dealers are almost impossible for a car lover. The "Service Writers" are, by and large, children. They know little, if anything, about the cars & give the impression that they could care less!

Also, the vendor in my previous post has been very satisfactory, as well.

Merry Christmas & Happy New Year!!