After recently moving to the Sierra foothills, I quickly realized that I need to brake pads. These ones are now squeaking, sometimes even when I'm not braking. Also, they get very hot, very fast.

So, I figured I would put in a new set of Akebono's. I've never installed a set of brake pads before, but from readying the RAVE, it looks like a pretty straightforward project.

Here are my questions:

(1) Will a C-Clamp work instead of the "LRT-70-500" tool referenced in the RAVE?

(2) RAVE step 7: Ensure flats on guide pins locate with lugs on caliper housing. fit new pivot bolt and tighten to 30 Nm (22 lbf.ft). Do I need a NEW pivot bolt?

Thanks

Max

 

Swapping brake pads is simple.
1. Yes. Bleed the old brake fluid off when you press the calipers back, instead of pushing that gunk back through your ABS system to the brake fluid reservoir.
2. I have not installed new bolts. I suppose it's a CYA thing.

 

get the rotors machined.If you dont, the pads will wear uneven, and you will not benafit from new pads.

 

1-yes.
2-no.

I always use a c-clamp and never use new bolts unless the old ones are jacked up and cannot be re-used.

 

I may be wrong, but I thought rotors on British/European cars can not be machined. Am I incorrect?

 

Rotors can be machined on many European cars but Land Rovers are not one of them.

 

So are you saying that I can't turn the rotors?

If not, what's a good rule of thumb to determine if I need to replace them?

 

According to Land Rover it is not recommended to turn your rotors. Some people have and have not had any problems. Your service limit for the front rotors are 22 mm and the rear 11.7 mm.

 

The service limit is stamped on the rotors. Any rotors can be turned as long as they are within the service limits, there is nothing special about LR rotors.