How often to replace brake pads?
 

How often have you found your brake pads need to be replaced?

Purchased a 2008 with about 32,000 miles on it. The dealer had just replaced the pads (front and back, pads only, not rotors). I am now at 48,500 and the fronts are in the red and backs are likely to need replacement in the next 5,000 miles. Dealer said he sees LR3s averaging about 22,000 miles between pads needing to be replaced for those that do primarily city miles. I drive mostly in the suburbs and city (70%) along with some highway driving on longer trips (30%). Of course they are recommending both pads and rotors now that I am out of warranty. Seems to be quick for pads to burn through even for as heavy of a vehicle as the LR3. Just wondering what others have experienced.

His answer is on target. LR3 seems to average 22k city, 40k rural. And land rover doesn't cover rotors so they should have replaced both. LR says replace both at time of installation of pads. Some dealers don't but thats the ones in sunnier climates. Less rust. Above the rust belt you either replace them or suffer enormous amounts of noise and chattering.

Consider switching to EBC slotted rotors and green stuff pads. The extended life of the rotors is a real plus. I don't think the pads last much longer, but at 22k the dealer said my front OEM rotors were shot. I got 80k out of the EBC, with a light turn at each pad change.

Typically if you get down the 4mil you've got less than a thousand miles before you trip a wear sensor. My experience has been that the front and rear where out for me within a thousand miles of each other, so it makes sense to do all at once.

Do I need to change the sensor cable every time I do a brake job? Those sensor cables are 80% of the pain associated with doing the job.

I did my own on my LR3 33k kms ago without issue. I used the British Atlantic kit #8847AK, good, cheap kit. The Textar pads hold well but sure put out a lot of dust.

Just got a quote from a local SC dealer..."pads, sensors, no rotors" $1,300!!!

I can't find a DIY for changing out the brake pads. I've seen a youtube video but I wanted to get a feel from the members in here if it was something I could do myself.

I have a 2008 LR3 with 60K miles. Yellow brake light came on.


On a scale from 1-10 with 10 being the hardest, what kind of job is this?

Run, don't walk....

Google search for "bodsy's brake bible"

I am a decent "recreational" machanic and have changed brakes on cars from the 60's through my '06 BMW and now '07 Land Rover. The front discs are the absolute easiest brakes to change I have ever seen. The Bodsy bible gives you confidence, but please feel that you can do this with ease. Always use good jack stands in the right place and your golden.
Q.

Looks easy enough.

I've changed out the PCV in my E46 which is like an 8 in terms of difficulty. I've changed intake boots, removed and cleaned intake throttle, etc.


Any advice on brake pads?