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E-Type rear brake caliper access

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GregJ

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We had a discussion about how to simplfy the bleeding of rear brakes on the E-Type some time ago. I thought an addtional bit of information would be interesting. Norman Dewis (head Jaguar "works" test engineer for all Jags from 1952 until 1984)is a friend and was with us for a weeks stay a couple of weeks ago. I asked Norman what the "works" team did to adjust the rear inboard brakes on the E-Type race cars. He said (after a typical Norman chuckle)they actually cut large access holes in the floor of the trunk above each of the rear brake discs/calipers. These holes were big enough to reach in and bleed the brakes and to change brake pads. The holes were covered with a plate which was "zuss" fastened into position when the car was driven.

I thought that might be of interest to those purists who are searching for another method of access to the E-Type rear-end.

GregJ
 
Greg - I recently rebuilt my XKE brakes and I solved half the problem. I bought a steel braded hose with banjo fitting on the ends and ran this line in place of the bleed valve on the LH caliper to the inlet on the RH caliper. Remove the RH side tire and front shock - now it's a piece of cake. I also bought a bleeder valve which has an integral check ball inside now I can bleed the brakes myself.

Regards, Bob
 
Bob,

Thanks for the info. I too had developed a remote bleeding system that is mounted in the trunk just above the calipers. The placement of these brakes makes maintance really a headache. I thought everyone with the same dislike of the rear E-Type brake caliper access would enjoy hearing what the factory decided to do in resolving the access problem. They felt if it was a street catr, no big deal, let the dealership service technitions deal with it. When it came to racing and the factory mechanics needing direct, easy and quick access they just made themselves some access. Obviously it was a problem.

Another bit of history to tuck away in the vault. It is interesting to hear about these things from the people that were there in the trenches at the time.

GregJ
 
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