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Can someone share any info and / or places where I can find good directions on how to change the front brake pads on my Jag? Both of my manuals only go to 1994 or 5? And to get exact manuals will cost me $85 for a cd which I am trying to avoid.
I only want to change the pads and not the rotor. Are there any special tools I need for this? Is it a fairly easy pad replacement?
Well, Funomance, you're in the wrong forum. Post in the X308 forum which is for your car, (V8 saloons from 1997-2003), and I expect you'll get lots of info.
Changing brake pads is a straightforward service job, not complicated, but the exact procedure depends on what caliper is fitted. Make sure the rotors are up-to-snuff, which means, (if they look OK), measuring the thickness face to face and checking they are not on the wear limit. YOu need a micrometer for this. If the rotors are all grooved and awful then at least consider replacing them.
I have moved your thread from the forum for the X350 to the forum for the X300, which is the Jaguar factory project code for your 1997 XJ6.
Fraser is from the U.K. where 1997 model year cars were the first X308s with V8 engines, but his advice applies just as well to your X300.
If you've replaced brake pads and/or rotors on other vehicles you'll be able to figure out the job on your XJ6. There's nothing unusual about the caliper setup. Here's the parts diagram from jaguarclassicparts.com :
If you'd like to collect more service documentation for your car, including the workshop manual, check out these links courtesy of the Jaguar Forums and Jag-Lovers:
I've found YouTube to be one of the best DIY sources of info for just about anything, especially auto repairs (but double check the specs, "trust but verify" ).
A quick search resulted in the following video illustrating the front brake change on an X308, which is essentially the same as an X300.
I didn't watch the whole thing, but a quick fast forward looks like it covered the basics. There are other videos for rear brakes too.
Bottom line, it is an easy job, and nothing different than any other standard disc brake service.
Just don't let your brake calipers hang like this guy did. Get a bungee cord or something to preserve the rubber hose attached. Good luck you'll be fine!