This is my first post here, but I need some advice quick. I just got a shock when my local LR Dealer told me that he needs $1,480 (ouch!) to fix the brakes on my '03 Discovery. I've had this LR for less than 2 years (20 months to be exact), performed regular maintenance, and have done mainly highway driving in sunny California. The dealer claims that the pads AND rotors on all 4 wheels need to be replaced at a cost of $790 for the front and $690 for the rear. The brakes feel a little soft and my guess was that the front pads may need to replaced. The pads have not worn down to metal and there has been no metal-to-metal wear. I've owned other SUVs in the past but never encountered rotors needing replacement at less than 30k miles. Is the dealer trying to pull a fast one ? Does anyone know what the specs are on the rotors for the '03 Discovery ? Any experiences with after-market parts ?

 

rotors ? Is that the pistons, if so, I am still on the orginal ones on my defender with 165,000 miles, just been changing pads, still on the original discs as well...

Maybe someone more local to you, (i.e. in the USA) and also who drives a disco to give advice.. will post your question else where and see if I can get an answer int he meantime..

 

Minimum disk thickness; Front 0.866 inches, Rear 0.461 inches. Generally, you can get two sets of pads on A front rotor. One set on A rear and they wear out quicker than the front. You can always ask for the measurements and/or ask for the old parts back. Since your in big $ CA not sure on price. Call another dealer and ask !

What ever you do DO NOT put aftermarket brake pads or rotors on your disco 2 !!! They will squeal like hell and trigger ABS faults. The dealer will not fix them unless it has factory pads on. I'm not saying this to denounce the aftermarket. Many aftermarket brakes are equal or better than Factory and I would recommend them. They just don't work on Land Rovers.

Lighting, Brake discs = Brake rotors

Bait

 

dude, **** the dealer and take something like brakes to Midas or something. you can buy the factory parts over the internet and just have them install them. heres one US site:

www.discountrovers.com

 

Thanks Bait for the translation of rotors, have to say, replacement discs so early in the life.

With regards to replacements, stick with either Land Rover stampped or Girling (girling is an OEM for Land Rover) It is common knowledge as Bait says, in that you should not use cheap look alike parts from other suppliers, as they just don't last. Remember you are trying to stop nearly 2 tonne of weight.

 

The repies on the other forum I posted your response seem to say the same thing, they can't understand why you are been asked to change your rotors, unless they are gouge, which is something you can easliy check yourself by removing the wheels.. and as Bait has given you the thickness you need.. (in none metric size which I wasn't able to do) you can give the garage a roasting..

 

Only use genuine rover pads and discs- if not you will be complaining about squeal forever. thanks, Rusty(HR Motorcars)

 

Midas and the likes may or may not be able to service brake systems on an American vehicle. Land Rovers are A different breed in the States. Can't tell you how many botched brake repairs I see from these "discount" shops. They pay kids with no training 7 bucks an hour. Sometimes, you do get what you pay for.

By the time you mail order parts with shipping, and get them installed by A discount shop, how much are you really saving ?

Bait

 

Thanks for all the input including the specs on the thickness of the rotors. I have garaged the LR for now until I get this resolved. I spoke with three different Brake Repair shops and they gave quotes of $159 to $395 for each side for pads only (Pep Boys was the lowest). I have no problem replacing the pads only on all 4 wheels. I am seriously considering getting a set of calipers and measuring the thickness of the rotors for each wheel. I can't believe that the rotors would wear out beyond their recommended thickness within 30K miles. I have never seen this happen with any car or truck. I now have the following options:

1) Remove each tire and measure the thickness of the rotors to see if they meet specs. If they do, launch a complaint with LR USA and get the dealer to replace the pads only (he had absolutely refused to do this previously).

2) Order LR pads and take it to Midas or some other local shop for installation and have them make sure the rotors are within specs.

3) Have ALL the work done at Midas or some other local brake repair shop and have them take responsibility for any future problems.

Right now, I prefer #1 or #2. What would you do if you were in my shoes ?

 

Zack,

You have to understand that LR brakes are designed to be used hard in off road conditions. Also European vehicles have MUCH better braking systems than the Big Three. IE: your LR brakes are stronger than most USA 3/4 ton pickups. However, most USA drivers only use the vehicle lightly. This results in brake squeal. Many LR & Jag dealers have had so many complaints about squeal that they will only do complete brake jobs ( pads and rotors ). Reason : As the rotors wear, they wear unevenly and leave A lip on the outer edge. This can and does increase noise. The rotors are not thick enough to be turned as is common practice in the States.

The reason for the minimum spec ; The rotor no longer has sufficient mass to distribute the heat caused by braking. This leads to brake fade and/or warp. This is obviously unsafe. Believe the rear non-vented rotors are under spec @ 30K. You own A luxury SUV equipped with A superior braking system. Are you willing to risk your safety over A couple hundred bucks ? Some people are, just food for thought.

Option 1 ; This will most likely get you nowhere as brake pads and rotors are wear items and not covered under the manufactures warranty. LR also can not dictate dealer policy on these matters.

Option 2 ; OK, if you don't mind some squeal and trust the shop to install them correctly.

Option 3 ; Not an option, in my opinion.

Option 4 ; Have the Dealer repair it and forget it.