This summer, I had to put new rear brakes and rotors on my 1992 XJS. Even though I had never done this big a project, It was not that hard so I tackled the project with a friend. Before dropping the sub frame, there was the driveshaft to disconnect, all break leads, handbrake cable and exhausts. She came down nicely and is much easier to work on outside the vehicle. One can put the new rotors , brake pads and service the callipers. I forgot to have new hand brake pads to install as they sure would be the time to install when everything is in front of you . All in all it went pretty smooth and the sub frame went back in place nicely. I learned that the exhaust pipes had to be wiggled through everything before it all is tightened down. I recommend using loc tight on the bolts when reinstalling. Hope I am good to go for another summer driving. I forgot to mention the lower shocks have to be disconnected along with the oil sensor on the rear end near filler plug.

 

Good for you. I have rebuilt the calipers and replaced pads on my 78, and wondered if it would not have been just as easy to drop the rear end for that.

 

Good work!

As for the pipes.....

I learned the hard way about taking good mental notes (or photographs) on how the pipes fit thru the cage. It's sounds like such a simple thing but I got hopelessly bollixed up on that step! One of my wear-the-dunce-cap moments.

Cheers
DD

 

Good day Dliet53
Since this was my first major project, it took two days to wrap it up, by the time we figured everything out. It realy is quite simple and will only take probably a day since we now know what to do. i forgot to mention to take the wheels of as it makes it so much easier to find the bolts holding the sub frame on. Then, everything is in front of you to replace and lubricate. The nice thing about the subframe off, is that you can spay wash it all and get everything clean before installing. Cheers

 

\yep it boggled me also and realized that we had left the pipes till last and it didn't work. But when you simply follow procedure, they slide in like a glove. The first time for everything is slow and tedious, second time around everything is like a breeze. Cheers

 

How easy is it to just replace the rear brake pads on a 90 XJS? Thanks.

 

I only did it with the subframe dropped and that was quite easy. It cannot be that difficult as the calipers are quite visible on a hoist and easy to get to. I am sure somebody will guide you. Go for the good pads and not the cheapos.

 

Which pads did you go with? The rotors look great and I just want to replace the pads. I'm hoping that they will just slide right in. LOL. Thanks...

 

I am almost certain they will slide in. The pads I put on were ceramic under $60.00pr. i am out of the country and don't have the invoice, but there is a cheaper set that i stayed away from. Sorry i can't help you more.

 

Thanks for your help.

 

Yeah, the pads are easy. In essence pull the pins, wriggle out the pads, squeeze the pistons back, install new pads.

Since your '90 has ABS you might wanna open the bleeders before pressing the caliper pistons back in. It's considered a good idea on ABS car.

Tons of options on pads. On my XJS and Ser III XJ6 I really liked Raybestos RPG

Cheers
DD

 

Thanks Doug. Do u recommend ceramic pads?

 

I have 'em on my XJR and love 'em....but I'd only buy one brand, personally: Akebono. I don't think Akebono makes pads for the older models. Worth checking, though

Cheers
DD

 

Akebono are great pads but u are right that they do not make a pad for my 90 XJS. I'll check out the RPG's and I may look at the Wagner Thermoquiets. Thanks.