How to Replace the Brake Pads on Your Jaguar

Have you determined that your Jaguar needs new brake pads? If so, you came to the right place. Replacing your brake pads is easier than you think. In this step-by-step guide, we'll show you how to replace your brake pads in a matter of 30 minutes or so.

Image Credit: Jag TV

List of Tools to Get First

Grab the following items before starting the job:

  • Brake lubricant
  • 7mm Allen socket*
  • Ratchet
  • Straight screwdriver

*DISCLAIMER: This list of tools is based on the Jaguar XF X250. If you have a different Jaguar model, it's possible that you would need a different sized Allen socket.

Where to Find Replacement Brake Pads

Before you can replace your brake pads, you need to get a set of replacement brake pads. To keep braking performance consistent, brake pads are always replaced in pairs.

OEM or Aftermarket?

You have two options: OEM and aftermarket brake pads. We strongly recommend OEM brake pads. Here's why:

Aftermarket brake pads are generally designed for "high performance". They have aggressive pad materials that provide quick stopping. But, they usually have to warm up first before working well. Also, the aggressive pad materials can wear your rotors down much sooner than stock pads would. So, aftermarket pads can be overkill when you’re just using your Jaguar as a daily driver.

In a nutshell, OEM brake pads come out on top when it comes to normal driving. You can read more about why OEM is the better choice here.

Online or In Store?

OEM Jaguar brake pads are available online and at Jaguar dealerships. If you want to save money, we suggest purchasing the brake pads online. It's because Jaguar dealerships mark up their prices and you'll find much more reasonable prices online. For example, we're an authorized seller of genuine OEM Jaguar parts, and you can find deeply discounted prices on our website. Check out our catalog of brake rotors and pads to see how much money you can save on replacement brake pads!

The Replacement Process: 13 Steps

Without further ado, here's how you replace the brake pads on your Jaguar in a safe and efficient way:

  1. Lift your car. You can either lift one end or you can lift the whole car as long as the wheels are up in the air. Whatever your method, be sure to do it safely.
  2. Remove the lug nuts on one wheel.
  3. Take off the wheel.
  4. There's a clip holding the caliper in place. Use the screwdriver to pry it out. Don't pry it straight up because that will break the clip. Instead, try to push the clip up so the other end comes loose on its own.
  5. There are two plastic covers behind the caliper. Remove them both to expose the bolts underneath.
  6. With the Allen socket and the ratchet, remove both bolts.
  7. Wiggle the caliper loose and then either set it on something or hang it by a bungee cord. You just have to avoid hanging the caliper by the brake line.
  8. Now the brake pads are exposed. Pull them straight out.
  9. Apply the brake lubricant to the steel backing of the new brake pads. Be sure to spread it out evenly.
  10. Push the clips right in to compress the piston.
  11. When the piston is fully compressed all the way back, put in the new brake pads. Make sure they're installed correctly or they won't work.
  12. Put the caliper and wheel back in the reverse order of removal.
  13. Repeat with the other brakes on your Jaguar.