THE JAGUAR XK120 was originally equipped with drum brakes all round, which require routine maintenance to ensure they remain in good working order. Fortunately, they are quite straightforward to dismantle, inspect and clean, so we’ve asked independent classic Jaguar specialist Ken Jenkins to reveal what’s involved.
The front brake drums on an XK120 have two hydraulic wheel cylinders at each brake and use an automatic means of adjusting the shoes (it’s a ratchet mechanism). Each rear brake only has one hydraulic wheel cylinder and a mechanical adjuster.
If you are unsure whether the brake shoes fitted to a car of this age are old enough to contain asbestos, it’s essential to wear a breathing
