It's been 30-odd years since I tackled a brake job...and that was on an old clunker with shoes. Well, I am happy to say that I successfully completed a major front brake rebuild on my 69 FHC! Also rebuilt the master cylinder and the clutch master and slave cylinders. It turned out to be easier than I thought and I am beginning to feel more comfortable with grease up to my elbows! Now I am trying to build up the courage to start on the rear brakes. Can anyone give me some advice on how to approach this task? Or is this a job I should leave to the experts? Any guidance from you seasoned Jag mechanics is greatfully appreciated.

Dave Sutton
1969 Jaguar XKE Series II Coupe
1952 MGTD Roadster
1973 MGB Roadster

Submitted by dasutton1250@a… on Fri, 05/06/2005 - 04:40

Thanks all for the words of encouragement. I plan on tackling the job this weekend. Wish me luck. I'm sure I will have no problems finding parts, etc. However, I am having difficulty finding a replacement rubber seal. It is the dust seal for the gearbox fill and located under the carpet on the left side of the console. Do any of you know of a vender that would have that part? Thanks again for your help.

Dave Sutton
1969 Jaguar XKE Series II Coupe
1952 MGTD Roadster
1973 MGB Roadster

Submitted by dougi@shaw.ca on Thu, 05/05/2005 - 23:50

Dave,

Given your comfort level, I would urge you to take this job on yourself. As others have already mentioned, dropping the rear subframe is the best way to do the brakes, and while you have it out, consider all the other wear points as well. Just take your time and do everything slowly and deliberately - it's not a complicated job, but can appear a little intimidating if your have not done it before.

Good luck,

Doug Ingram
Victoria BC Canada
1987 Series III XJ6 VDP
(same rear suspension as your E-Type)

Submitted by SE98-32482CJ on Tue, 05/03/2005 - 06:45

David get a factory manual. The reason they advise droping the rear end is that is the fastest and best way of doing the job. Remember that these manuals were written with the assumption that some of this work would be done under warranty. Simply put if two cars were approached in both manners the one that dropped it's rear would be on the road well before the ship in the bottle one. It is also a good time to replace metalastic bushings that need attention in the stab. arms and rear cage mount. George Camp