On Monday I had to have my 06 RR S/C relayed to the nearest dealer because the passenger side rear brake pad had worn through. The backing plate was rubbing against the disk causing scoring. I was prepared to pay for the full repair, which was quoted over the phone as £599. I was surprised that my normal servicing dealer hadn't warned me that the pads might need replacing before the next service (which is due soon, vehicle has had one service and has now completed 25000 miles).

When I arrived to collect the car yesterday, the dealer told me that the bill was now £613 because they had to replace a sensor assembly. I asked what the sensor assembly was for. It turns out it was the brake pad warning sensor, this had never activated at any time. I told the dealer that surely the work should be covered under warranty as the car should have warned me about the impending pad replacement and the reason it didn't was because the sensor had failed. He said that he didn't think it should be a warranty issue because pads and disks are wear and tear items. I can understand that pads are wear and tear and replacement at 25k miles isn't unusual, however, I feel that Land Rover should take some responsibility for the disks and the sensor assembly under warranty, I would not have had to replace the disks if the sensor hadn't failed.

As it stands the dealer did not voluntarily pass anything through Land Rover warranty, not even the sensor assembly and, furthermore, I feel they were trying to mislead me or be economical with the truth as they would not have volunteered that the sensor needed replacement if it hadn't made a difference to the cost of the work. I'm not sure why they would do this, as I imagine Land Rover warranty would pay up the same amount as a customer. Not sure.

What does everyone else think? At my request the dealer is passing this past Land Rover warranty, am I right in thinking Land Rover should take all responsibility under warranty for the sensor assembly and some responsibility for the rear disks?

Thanks,

Mark

 

I agree with you completely, especially if it had been to the dealer recently. Heck, I took my '05 RR in for a 7,500 mile supplemental oil change (BMW engine only requires oil change at 15k), and the dealer did a 16-point inspection, which included the brakes, and reported exactly how much pad I had left (8mm front, 10mm rear.) On top of that, they didn't charge me a dime. If your airbag sensor failed, and didn't fire in an accident, who would you point the finger at? It's what warning sensors are for. If they can't stand behind them, they shouldn't put them in. Good luck. I'd be upset too.

 

Mark, you bring up a very interesting issue. Should the dealer also warn you that you have to replace the fuel used before the next service ? See my point, where do you draw the line ?

Put yourself in the Manufactures shoes for a moment. How do they know you did not ignore the light ? Can you imagine how many owners would say they did not see a light for a free brake job ?

Most Dealers replace the wear sensor on every brake job. I think you are incorrectly drawing a conclusion between a faulty sensor and normal replacement.

 

I think the point was that a faulty sensor lead to metal on metal and the need for a more extensive brake job. To counter your point, Mr. Moderator, wouldn't the dealer take a 5 second glance BEFORE performing the work to see in the warning light was functioning? By my logic, it should be on at the time of brake failure and extensive service.

 

Mr. Team, you are correct that the servicing Dealer should have verified the light as on or off. This could potentially eliminate the issue. I wonder if one time poster Mark will fill us in ? Was the light on @ wright up ?

 

I can confirm that the light wasn't showing at any time! In fact, I have never seen it. I don't even know what it looks like

 

We will replace sensors for a few reasons. The sensor can start to get worn and not kick the lignt on untill it gets to 20% or there abouts. We will also replace it if it breaks when removing it from the pad it is attached to. this is common. the fault is that the dealer should have pre warned you of the repair cost before performing them. Also note that the brake pads can wear up to 30% difference between inner and outer pads. The sensor is only in one pad on one wheel on the front and one wheel in the back. What bent the backing plate? road debri came up and hit it?