I took my 03 RR in for warranty work (minor cosmetic repairs) yesterday. I was suprised at how helpful the dealership was considering I did not purchase it from them. I got a phone call this morning that the brakes and rotors needed replacing and the bill was going to be $1,700. I told the guy that there was no indication while driving that this was the case and there were no lights on the dash that did so either. He said the last guy might have bypassed the sensors but the sensors were "so" worn that he could not tell. He said the pads were down to 2mm and the rotors were shot. I stood my ground and said that if it was that bad I would have known by driving the vehicle every day and declined the repair. I called the dealiership that I bought it from. They are not a franchise dealership but only deal in Land Rovers. He scheduled an appointment for me to bring it in so that he can have a look. He laughed and said they were pulling the typical franchise money making scheme. Any thoughts on how I would know if the brakes were really as worn as they say they are???

 

Have you looked at them? These trucks are hard on brakes. You can look through the wheel at the rotor and see if there are any ridges. You might not feel the difference in driving until you hit metal. I don't think there are waer sensors to make them squeal, or any indicators you would have on the dash. It won't hurt to have it checked out by another shop, but I would for sure have someone who is familiar with Rovers replace the brakes. 9 months before I got my truck, the brakes had been replaced by Midas. Within 1 month, I was rubbing metal on the front rotors. I took it back to them and of course, they wouldn't do anything because the truck had been sold. They only lasted 8K miles, and the last guy paid $1300 to replace them. Don't skimp on brake service, because one way or another, you will pay for it.

Good Luck!

 

How long do they typically last when using OEM parts?

 

Also, if I need to purchase the rotors, pads and sensors, is there a place that I can get them online?

 

try atlanticbritish.com
roverconnection.com <--very good
Eastcoastrover.com

or you could always do what I did and get them through NAPA

...brakes shouldnt cost that much, its not a Porsche its a Rover. I changed all 4 pads for under 65$. If I needed the DisksI would have paid 85-90 each, save some money and do it yourself.

 

How many miles on your truck?
How mwchanical are you and would you be willing to do your brakes if we walked you thru it?
Mike

 

I'd be willing to give it a shot myself. I'm not terribly mechanicly inclined but with the right tools and good instructions I know I can do it. (It may take me all day). To start with, what do I need?

 

Think of it as a 3 ton Porsche with undersized brakes. You can get the parts at local stores, but they are not made specifically for this truck. I would go with a rover based company, like you recommended. Like I sadi these things are heavy, don't skimp on parts. The good kits start around $350 for the set.

 

You don't need to buy new sensors.
How good a brake do you want to install on your truck?
Mike

 

okdiscoguy

Looks like my pads are holding up fine and not damaging the brakes....so far..Ive used the same brand for two years.. roverconnection.com was my source. ---if i wanted a 3 ton Porsche I woulda bought a Cayenne or (gasp!) a toureg diesel. I do get your point however.