So it's time to replace the brakes on my '03 STR. I decided to go with "Brake Performance" since I've read good things here and as an added bonus they are only 5 mins from home.
The problem is when I called I was told they did not have any rotors in stock and they didn't know when or if they were going to make more. He said they do not have any of the types available: slotted, dimpled, plain, etc.
Also said that they only had premium metallic pads available, no ceramic. People here have said they've bought ceramics from them before so that sounded strange too.
Seemed like a very nice knowledgeable guy. He verified we were talking about an S-Type R and double checked his system but said they have nothing. I thought somebody else ordered parts just a few weeks ago? Anybody else had problems? I don't want to call back and waste our time, I just feel like I may have received some bad info.

 

Here is a Thread on a V8 S Type about brakes:
https://www.jaguarforums.com/forum/s...ke+Performance

 

And for the most bang heres another:
https://www.jaguarforums.com/forum/s...ke+performance

 

I have done the brakes on my 2005 STR. Check with Ken Karr Motorcars, Inc. out of Houston. 800-338-5238. $450-$500 for the front pair of rotors.

I went with the much recommended Akebono Euro Ultra Premium Ceramic brake pads. Made in the U.K. Rockauto shipped them right out. Use the 5% discount and I got free shipping plus a little bit. Double check but you should need:
#EUR938 Front pads. $105/pair
#EUR592 Rear pads. $80/pair

Be sure and lube the sliding caliper on the emergency brake. This was very gummy on mine but I was able to free it up and lubricate it. Those little emergency pads are available ONLY from the dealer. I hope to not find out how expensive they are!! I had some grooves front and rear and had all 4 rotors turned. Pads are still new but so far so good. I really got them to cut down on all the brake dust. Really pretty thick with the factory Brembo pads. I also bled the brakes to get the fluid flushed and changed. This I think is very much overlooked during maintenance.
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Thanks for the tips. I'm going to take a close look at the emergency brakes while I have things apart. Mine releases but it drags ever so slightly at first causing a squealing noise when I reverse. Hopefully it hasn't worn the pads down too much.

I'm somewhat surprised that Brake Performance does not have parts for my car. They are mentioned here in several recent threads. Anybody tried to order from them recently?

 

Had to replace the parking brake pads due to drag... it was $134 from the dealer for the set.

+1 for the Akebono, after going through a set of EBC reds on the front, the Akebono stop as well but the front rims are clean when the rears are a deep shade of grey with the EBCs.

 

Try Brakewarehouse.com, they listed a bunch of options for the STR. I found their prices to be very good and have had the set of Centric pads and Royalty drilled and slotted rotors for almost a year now and am very happy with them. It was less than 500 for all 4 wheels, pads and rotors. Some of their parts list "quote" in the price field and that is a good thing. They want you to call them so an adviser can check your VIN and make sure that you are getting the right parts. Again, I've dealt with them and will do so again.

 

Just be very SURE that they understand you have a STR!! I have found many places that claim to carry Jaguar brake parts. The Brembo’s are very unique and hard to find outside the dealer. The real problem is that the STR application is a weird one off size?? Many other cars use Brembo’s and their rotors are very easy to get.
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Along the same line, make sure you know what the diameter of the rotor is (I think its along the line of 365mm = 14.4"). I believe the non-brembo's jaguar used in the STR during the last years is a bit smaller but shows up in the brembo STR database along with a bunch of std and sport rotors from 12 to 13".

 

Great advise tbird6
Yes, simply put...No matter who you use, don't just click and buy. Call them and make sure they are getting you the correct parts...

 

That's a shame. Here is a thread I started about Brakes and I ended up buying from Brake Performance. I don't have an R (damnit) but I have no trouble getting the parts I needed.

https://www.jaguarforums.com/forum/s...ad.php?t=28804

 

Yup, the lack of multiple aftermarket sources mean an already steep Jaguar tax + an even steeper R tax. Those rotors from the factory are more expensive then some cars that cost 2x the STR.