Which Brake Discs & Pads?

[DougX]

I am looking to change all my discs and pads on my 1999 XJ8 3.2L. Having changed the rears on my XK8 recently, I obtained Performance Sport Brake Discs (Brembo equivalent) vented and grooved from MTEC at what I considered to be a good price. Now looking at my XJ8 I am wondering whether they really need the same performance discs. Checking out various brake discs sellers, I came across some Pagid Brake Disc for the front and back at a really good price of £112.80 for the four wheels (https://www.carparts4less.co.uk/p/pagid ... -104630058). These appear not to be grooved but were vented. Has anyone had these fitted to their XJ8 and if so how good are they?

[PeterDavisX300]

Hi Doug
I've fitted Pagid to my X300, they seem fine. If you get the painted ones, they come ready to fit without having to de-grease, and the paint seems to stay for a reasonable time on the hub area, so looks better than the usual surface rust.
Peter

[DougX]

Thanks Peter, i went to order the discs but failed to note that the price they have on their website was for only one discs, hence the cost is double for all four = £225.60! I can get them cheaper from Mtec = currently with 20% off (unit 12.12.2020) = £166.51 for FOUR (two front, two rears). Much better, unless some one knows where else I can get them cheaper???

[J44EAG]

Grab the part numbers and type into Google. Up will come different suppliers, eBay and other stock holders to get a best deal. That said, you will often find Berkshire Jag Components one of the cheapest....their eBay shop is often cheaper than their own business site! Free postage often on eBay listings!!

Mike K

[DougX]

I am looking to purchase replacement brake discs all round but am confused with the vast array of differing brake discs available. I have been on the Autodoc website ( Brake discs JAGUAR XJ Saloon (X308) 3.2 243 HP » low prices (autodoc.co.uk) which has various makes of discs ranging from makers called Ridex, Bosch, A.B.S., Delphi Technologies, Textar, etc., and prices from £54.38 (currently - they have offers all the time and sometimes 50% off) to £221.80 per pair. My question is has anyone had any experience with any of these makes and are some likely to be of a poor quality standard, therefore less likely to perform well under braking? The old saying is you pay for what you get, although, in some case's, you are paying for big company advertising budgets.

[J44EAG]

Buyer beware as always applies. That said, if you select parts with OE specification, you are unlikely to go far wrong.

Jaguar OE is made by TRD Mintex. If you buy Mintex, you are effectively buying OE grade parts. No issues there. As said previously, Berkshire Jaguar Spares offer very competitive prices and don`t sell rubbish parts.

Tarox, EBC, Black Diamond, Bosch, Delphi and a few others come to mind as of suitable grade. Some also offer upgrades, ie drilled or drilled and grooved as performance parts. Before buying though, ask yourself how much race and rallying you will be doing in everyday use. Why fit expensive upgrades if you just drive the car to the shops or cruise quietly on holiday?

Also view the SNG Barrett, David Manners and British Car Parts sites. BCP listings for a particular model of Jaguar are very comprehensive and easy to use and fathom. They also give a good cross reference for part numbers. Once you have the correct part numbers for your car, type them into Google and look for best or special offers and deals. Look hard enough and you can really save some money!

Mike K

[DougX]

Another issue which has raised its head, without taking of the wheels and measuring the discs, it would appear that there are two size discs that are indicated for the XJ8. Either a 305mm or an 325mm disc (front). How do I know which one I need? What difference will the bigger one make and will it cause problems with the caliper and have I got to get different pads? I have also seen when looking on e-bay when selecting various makes, there all ask for details of the car I have and when selected, they indicate "Not Compatible"! Not sure why as they are advertised for the 1999Jaguar XJ8 3.2L.

[J44EAG]

Use your VIN identifier and model year as an initial tool to select the correct parts. Larger discs will not fit small disc cars. Similarly small discs will not fit bigger braked cars. The bottom line is to have a front and a rear wheel off and physically measure the disc diameter. That is the most reliable method to ensure ypu are buying the correct sized parts.

British Parts listings are usually accurate. If in doubt, give their sales desk a call and ask them to clarify. Have your VIN to hand when you phone.

Mike K

[ptjs1]

Doug,

You could pick up Brembo Discs at EuroCarParts today for £203 for all 4 discs. From their website, there doesn't seem to be any debate about what size disc is required for your car.

Good luck

Paul