Jag IRS pad change

[CriticalMass]

For the first time since inheriting my father's ERA with Jag IRS I need to change the inboard brake pads. I've been putting it off because I've read every thread on the forums of the horror stories but I can't wait any longer. If I go much further on them I'm going to end up having to replace the rotors. Changing the pads is already overwhelming enough for me.

I don't feel confident enough to drop the rear suspension for the change so I'm trying desperately to avoid that. I've got the E type Jaguar maintenance manual excerpts that ERA provides on their website but the diagrams just don't match up with what I'm seeing with the calipers. The handbrake setup is identical to the manual's diagrams but I can't find the main brake pad retainer pins/clips that the manual describes must be removed for the change. This is a home build, so I'm thinking my father may have used "non-standard" calipers (or maybe a later model Jaguar setup). I know that the upper retainer pin (on the calipers referenced in the manual excerpts) may be hard to see because of the tight spaces, but I don't even see the lower pin from underneath the car. I'm not sure if I'm blind or if I'm just looking at completely different calipers. I took some pictures and am hoping that the community can identify them and whether or not the procedure spelled out in the manual is pertinent to these model calipers.

Also, if they aren't standard, any info on proper pad removal procedure to use with them and what brake pads would be a good compatible choice (for moderately agressive street use) is greatly appreciated. A simple brake job is well within my ability to perform but if I have to do surgery on the rear end to get them changed I'm in over my head and want to be sure I know what I'm looking at before I make that choice.

It was tough to get a clean shot at the front face of the caliper but hopefully the pictures are enough for them to be identified. I can take more thorough pictures if necessary.



Thanks.

[ZOERA-SC7XX]

Unless someone knows something I don't, you're just gonna have to drop the rear. That's the only downside on the ERA cars with Jag rear ends. Even the big jags need to have the rear dropped to do a brake job. Maybe hire a qualified mechanic to do the job.
Your car is quite old. Call ERA and talk to Doug. Some of the older cars have the XKE subframe. Doug will tell you straight. Good luck.

[B.M.B.C]

Yes your ERA does have XKE calipers, they are of the split pistons type the pad retaining clip is bolted to the top of the centre caliper body. The later XJ sedan calipers used a retaining pin.
I hope this helps
Good Luck

[tboneheller]

Remove the access panel from behind the seats, and the calipers are right there. You will need to remove the seats & console to access the access panel. This is a lot easier than removing the differential. And look on the bright side, you can clean the seats & carpet while you got them out.

[ERA Chas]

No No!
Don't drop the rear. Much simpler. ERA has a brake access panel in the bulkhead behind the tunnel, between the seats. Raise the carpeting, and unscrew the panel. You will then be able to remove the clip which retains each pad, slide them out and slide in the new pads. You even have room to push the pistons in if they protrude into the new pads.
You can remove the seats to make working more comfortable but not vital to do so.

[ZOERA-SC7XX]

Glad to hear you don't have to drop the rear. Good luck.

[CriticalMass]

Thanks guys. I was going to try the access panel in the bulkhead prior to dropping the rear regardless but wanted to identify things and be sure of what I was dealing with prior to doing anything major. Although it's still not convenient, the rear pads rarely need changing, and it's a job I can handle with the access panel method.

The car has never seen a mechanic in its lifetime since my father put the kit together and performed all the maintenance himself. I plan to keep it that way even though many things are over my head at the moment I can learn to handle them. I'm just overly cautious so I don't cause problems that weren't there to begin with in the process of trying to fix something else.

This community is always educational and has gone a long way towards helping me manage this beast of a vehicle. I appreciate it.