Replacing your brake pads is a routine maintenance task, and for Jaguar F-Pace owners, it doesn’t always require a costly trip to the dealership. If you’re a hands-on individual, you can save a significant amount of money by undertaking this job yourself. This guide is inspired by a fellow Jaguar F-Pace owner’s experience and provides a step-by-step walkthrough for replacing the rear brake pads on a 2019 F-Pace 25T Premium model, which can be applicable to similar models and years. While dealerships might quote exorbitant prices, like $1,500, you can achieve the same result with quality parts and a bit of your time. This guide will walk you through the process, helping you confidently replace your Jaguar F-Pace brake pads.
Tools and Parts You’ll Need
Before you begin, ensure you have all the necessary tools and parts. For this job, the original poster opted for an EBC Stage 12 kit with Red Stuff pads, purchased for around $243. Having quality brake pads like EBC Red Stuff can offer improved braking performance and reduced brake dust. Besides the brake pad kit, you’ll need:
- Wrench and socket set, including a 7mm hex socket and a 15mm socket.
- Torque wrench
- Jack and wheel chocks
- Caliper piston compression tool (easily obtainable and affordable, as mentioned, a Harbor Freight option is around $10)
- Star drive screwdriver (for rotor screw)
- Gloves and safety glasses
- Brake cleaner (optional, but recommended for cleaning rotors)
Step-by-Step Brake Pad Replacement Guide
Preparing the Vehicle and Activating Maintenance Mode
Safety is paramount when working on your vehicle’s brakes. Begin by chocking the front wheels to prevent any accidental movement. Engage the parking brake before starting the jacking process.
To work on the rear brakes of a Jaguar F-Pace equipped with an electronic parking brake, you need to put the system into maintenance mode. This retracts the electronic parking brake and allows you to replace the pads. Here’s how to activate it:
- Turn on the ignition of your Jaguar F-Pace, but do not start the engine.
- Push and hold the hand brake button down for approximately 2 seconds.
- Press the accelerator pedal fully to the floor and hold for 2 seconds.
- Turn the ignition off, then immediately back on (without starting the engine).
- Release both the accelerator pedal and the hand brake button.
- The dashboard display should show “Brake Maintenance Mode” to confirm successful activation.
- Turn the ignition off.
Now that the maintenance mode is active and the front wheels are chocked, proceed to jack up the rear of your Jaguar F-Pace and securely support it with jack stands. Remove the rear wheel you are starting with.
Removing the Old Brake Pads
- Locate and remove the brake pad clip, which is usually a spring clip holding the pads in place within the caliper.
- Carefully disconnect the brake pad wear sensor. This is typically done by gently wiggling it up and down until it releases.
- Disconnect the electric emergency brake cable connector. Press the clip back, squeeze the tab, and carefully remove the connector.
- Remove the caliper bolt caps, which are small covers protecting the caliper bolts.
- Using a 7mm hex socket, remove the caliper bolts.
- Carefully remove the caliper along with the old brake pads. It’s good practice to support the caliper so it’s not hanging by the brake hose.
- Remove the caliper carrier bolts using a 15mm socket.
- Locate and remove the rotor star drive screw.
- Remove the rotor. If it’s stuck, gentle tapping might be needed.
- Inspect the rotor mounting surface and clean it if necessary using a wire brush or brake cleaner to ensure proper seating of the new rotor if you are replacing rotors as well.
Installing New Brake Pads
- Reinstall the rotor and the star drive retaining screw. Tighten the screw to the manufacturer’s specified torque if available, or snug it up.
- Reinstall the caliper carrier and torque the bolts to the specified torque. In this case, 85 lb-ft is mentioned as a reference, but always consult your vehicle’s repair manual for accurate torque specifications.
- Using the caliper piston compression tool, carefully and slowly compress the caliper piston back into its bore. This creates space for the new, thicker brake pads.
- Install the new brake pads into the caliper carrier.
- Reinstall the caliper over the new brake pads and secure it with the caliper bolts. Torque these bolts to the specified value. 43 lb-ft is mentioned as a reference, but again, refer to your service manual.
- Reinstall the caliper bolt caps.
- Reinstall the brake pad clip.
- Reinstall the new brake pad wear sensor.
- Reconnect the electric emergency brake cable connector and ensure the retaining tab is pushed forward to secure it.
- Reinstall the wheel, tighten the lug nuts in a star pattern, and lower the vehicle.
- Repeat all steps for the other rear wheel.
Deactivating Brake Maintenance Mode and Final Checks
Once you have replaced the brake pads on both rear wheels, you need to deactivate the brake maintenance mode:
- Turn on the ignition (do not start the engine).
- Pull up and hold the EPB (Electronic Parking Brake) switch for 2 seconds.
- Press the accelerator pedal to the floor and hold for 2 seconds.
- Turn the ignition off, then on again (without starting the engine).
- Release the accelerator pedal and the hand brake button.
- Cycle the electronic parking brake on and off 3 times. Listen to ensure it is engaging and disengaging correctly.
- Turn off the ignition.
Finally, before driving, pump the brake pedal several times to ensure the pistons are correctly seated against the new pads and that you have a firm brake pedal feel. It’s also advisable to perform a brake bedding-in procedure as recommended by your brake pad manufacturer to optimize braking performance and longevity.
Conclusion
Replacing your Jaguar F-Pace brake pads yourself is a rewarding task that can save you a considerable amount of money. By following these steps and taking your time, you can confidently perform this maintenance at home. Remember to always prioritize safety, use the correct tools, and refer to your vehicle’s service manual for specific torque specifications and procedures. Enjoy the satisfaction of DIY car maintenance and the savings you’ve achieved!
