Get to know your Jaguar brake system. Find out the different parts at play and how to ensure your brakes last as long as possible.
Important Parts in your Jaguar’s Braking System
One of the parts you’re likely most familiar with by consciously interacting with it regularly. The brake pedal is pressed to slow or to stop your vehicle.
The master cylinder holds your car's brake fluid. When the pedal is pushed down, a piston within the master cylinder will move and push against brake fluid. This creates hydraulic pressure within the master cylinder. The amount of pressure applied by the master cylinder will depend on the force exerted by the pedal and the piston's diameter. The brake tubes will then carry hydraulic fluid to each of the four corners of your Jaguar.
The brake caliper is visible from the exterior of your vehicle and can be observed through the wheel spokes. The brake caliper covers the rotor within the disc brake system. The brake pads are positioned inside of the calipers. When the brake pads press downward against the rotor, it creates friction and the vehicle responds by reducing the speed and quickly stopping.
The brake pads touch your Jaguar's tire and apply friction that slows the car. The brake pad material has a direct effect on the necessary force that is needed for the rotor power output.
Jaguar brake pads should match any rotor scoring but should be inspected for breakage, uneven wear or cracks on the surface. If defects or any of these signs are found, replace your brake pads immediately. Jaguars also have brake pad sensors that indicate pad wear. If your Jaguar has brake pad sensors, replace them along with your pads.
Disc Brake Rotors
The rotors on disc brake systems are called braking discs. The brake pads press firmly against the brake rotors or disc to slow and stop the wheels. The disc brake rotors are a frictional surface that absorbs the heat that is generated by the pressure of the brake pads. The heat is dispersed into the air surrounding the rotor. OEM Jaguar brake rotors are better than domestics and are built to comply with minimal thicknesses. This saves in weight, but they can't be turned. The rotors must be replaced.
Inspect the entire surface of your Jaguar brake rotors (discs) on both sides for obvious defects and concentric scoring (grooves). If any defects or grooving is found, replace the rotors immediately. Rotor discoloration can also be a sign of overheating. If you're local to the Reno area, this can be a common issue due to the excessive summer temperatures. Jaguar brake rotors are extra sensitive to heat and warping and wear and tear caused by use. Overheated brakes are one of the most common causes for Jaguar brake failure.
Wheels and Tires
The braking system exerts a force on the tires to stop your Jaguar, and each component in the system works together to slow the wheels and tires. The rotor is bolted to rim and tire. The force creates torque between the tire and the pavement, which stops the car from moving.
Eight Tips To Keeping Your Jaguar’s Brakes In Tip Top Shape
- Keep the vehicle's hydraulic reservoir filled to the proper level using only recommended fluid. Do not substitute or mix fluids. Because hydraulic fluid absorbs water, do not reuse hydraulic fluid and always use a fresh container of fluid.
- Clean your brakes when you wash your car's exterior to remove any dust and dirt from the pads.
- Do not spray lubricants or drip oil on your brake friction surfaces. If this occurs, spray immediately with brake cleaner.
- Replace your rotors at the same time as the pads. They can't be turned for handle imperfections because the metal is thick enough.
- Keep a repair log and all receipts from parts or paid services that are performed on your Jaguar. This will help you to keep an eye on maintenance and performance.
- Whenever you replace the pads, bleed the hydraulic system to remove air bubbles. Jaguar specialists recommend changing the fluid when you change the pads. Don't perform this job yourself if you are uncertain. Seek professional help from a Jaguar expert. ABS brakes should be serviced professionally.
- Replace your sensors and rotors when you change the pads.
- Remember to set your brake pads correctly to achieve maximum performance and to prevent premature failure. Instructions on configuring your Jaguar pads should be included with the new pads.
Catching Problems & Troubleshooting
- When you inspect your brakes, check the calipers, wheel cylinders, fittings and hoses for hydraulic fluid leakage.
- Check your Jaguar's master cylinder, the reservoir, and the proportioning valve assembly as well. Replace or rebuild the master cylinder if needed.
- Check the brake pedal. If it is lower or spongy it could be due to worn pads, sticking calipers, low fluid or hydraulic system problems. If you can't pump them upwards, you have hydraulic problems. If they always require pumping up, replace the hydraulic fluid.
- Check your brakes for sounds, and listen for unusual noises. Squeaking may be created by dust or dirt, loose vibrating pads or worn pads. A warped rotor may cause a rhythmic noise that pulsates. Constant noisy brakes are concerning, and any grinding noise may indicate trouble!
- Repair and problems immediately, because delaying brake repairs can prove to be extremely dangerous. Over-stressed rotors or drums could break, and worn or damaged brakes may be unable to stop the Jaguar in a sudden emergency stop.
- Repair problem quickly to avoid excess costs. Worn, overheated or warped rotors can damage your wheel bearings and may cause a need to replace the entire wheel hub assembly. These parts will cost much or more than brakes.
- Even when you do the work yourself, have your Jaguar's brakes inspected by a professional every few years. Check the brakes for proper positioning, warping, wheel bearing play and more involved issues that you may be overlooking. This inspection could uncover problems that would eventually be dangerous or costly.
- Inspect your Jaguar brake drums if your vehicle is equipped with them. These should be regularly checked. Check for any of flaws mentioned above, including cracks or grooves. Your drums shouldn't have excessive wear, grooves or a deep trough where the shoes ride.
- Inspect the Jaguar brake shoes if your vehicle is equipped with them. They should not be evenly worn without any protruding rivets on the friction surface.
If You're Not Sure, Don't Take A Chance - Ask for Help!
Of course, brake repairs are critical. They keep you and any passengers safe. Jaguar brake parts and repairs can be expensive but they don't have to be. Jaguar, OEM parts are available at affordable prices at JaguarLandRoverRenoParts.com.
Located in Reno, Nevada, we serve local and nationwide customers. Enter your VIN or the model and year of your Jaguar and enter brakes into the search box. Call or email us with any more detailed questions, we’re happy to help.