Jon inspected our 1966 Jaguar E-Type Red Series 1 2+2 following its MOT failures. After raising the car on the ramp, he found the rear brakes were imbalanced. A visual check showed the pads were wearing low, and although the discs had some surface rust, both rear wheels turned freely. He removed the rear seat and both access panels before stripping down the brakes. The rear pads were seized in place, so he had to break them apart with a hammer and screwdriver, removing the pieces and blowing out the debris. Using a lever bar, he pushed the pistons back, with both on the nearside moving in as required. He lifted the rubbers, applied WD40 inside, and left it to soak. With John’s assistance, the pistons were pumped out using the foot pedal and operated correctly.
Jon then repeated the process on the offside rear, where he managed to return one piston, but the other was completely seized. He sanded down and cleaned the disc surfaces, finishing the preparation before blowing them off and greasing the drive shafts and suspension while working underneath. To continue testing, he cut pieces of wood to use as dummy pads, fitted them to the nearside, and pumped the brake pedal to attempt freeing the offside piston, but without success. He confirmed the piston needs replacing and believes it may be possible to change it in situ, avoiding removal of the entire rear axle assembly.
