Classic Jaguar brake upgrades

Although engine upgrades and bhp figures might grab attention in the pub, power is useless unless you can safely use it. As such we feel it is very important to improve the braking performance of classic Jaguars to match any improvements made to the engine or suspension. This is particularly the case with XK120s and XK140 as they had drum brakes all around.

Jaguar were famous for their innovative use of disc brakes both for racing with the C and D-Types as well as on their road cars starting with four-wheel disc brakes on the XK150. These innovations continued with the development of the inboard rear brake setup on the E-Type and other saloons. Trailblazing technology does come with its downside though. As many XK150, E-Type and MKII owners will know, the handbrake mechanisms leave much to be desired. Although they can be made to work when properly set up and adjusted, they are far from the standard of modern cars or that provided by the rear drum brakes on the XK120 and XK140. For that reason, we prefer only to upgrade the front brakes to discs on XK120s and XK140.

Pictured here is a front disc brake upgrade fitted to an XK140. We replace the old drum brake hub with an XK150 hub which can take a brake disc. The four-pot aluminium callipers make a huge difference to the stopping power compared to the original drums and are even a worthwhile upgrade on an XK150 over the original callipers.

We also offer a twin master cylinder upgrade with our pedal box conversion. This is great for those wanting more stopping power and reliability and proves very popular for motorsport and rallying. The addition of a brake servo (or brake booster for our friends across the Atlantic) is another popular braking upgrade reducing the braking effort required from the driver.

Circling back to the shortcomings of the handbrake on Jaguar E-Type rear brakes we also offer an upgrade for these. Pictured here is the rear subframe from an E-Type with both upgraded aluminium brake callipers and an upgraded handbrake mechanism which is much more effective.

Of course, if originality is your thing, we are well-versed in refurbishing and setting up original drum brake setups. We have original brake shoes relined and are well-practised at the forgotten art of bedding in brake shoes. Whatever your needs are if you are having issues with your Classic Jaguars brakes please do get in touch or to read about our other upgrades click here.