Does this sound right to you?

[CaptainSpalding]

I took my LR4 to the dealer today for the first (and free) service. I have been told by the service rep that it needs new brake pads.

The truck has just under 15k on the odometer, and while I think that's too early for the truck to require pads (for any vehicle to require pads), it beats the heck out of my old Discovery 2 which needed pads and rotors every 11k miles like clockwork. We'll let that pass. I don't mean for this to be a post about short brake service intervals.

I was told that the pads were down to 4mm, and it was recommended to me that I should change them now, and that the benefit of doing so was that I could avoid replacing the wear sensors since they haven't been triggered, which happens at around 2mm.

Naturally, I asked how far I could go on 4mm before the pads absolutely needed replacing. The rep told me they would last about another 200-300 miles, and that the pads wear much faster once they're worn more than halfway. Does this sound right to you? Why would half-worn pads wear at a faster rate? And does 4mm of brake pad really only translate to 200 miles?

 

[Finlayforprez]

I don't understand how he can provide that metric? It does not sound right to me, as that is a VERY quick wear-down... I can't imagine it being that fast?

I do not trust the dealership service folks for many things - especially things not covered under the warranty. Is there a local Land Rover garage? We have an excellent one in the SF Bay area and they know their stuff. When I "REALLY" need brakes, I am going to them (unless it's a warranty thing).

I hope other folks respond as well; I'm very curious!

-David

 

[uhur]

You are being ripped off, no doubt. Get a 2nd opinion from an independent

 

[sapperbreach]

What is causing pads to be replaced more often?

 

[kdegLR4]

These are big, heavy cars/trucks that are capable of quite a turn of speed. It makes perfect sense that they will go through brake pads very quickly compared to lighter or less powerful vehicles. What doesn't make sense is working with a dealership that "pads" the price or necessity of a repair. I've had good interactions with my PDX dealer so far, but if I had any concerns about the validity of what they told me, I wouldn't hesitate to go to an independent repair shop for replacing consumables like brake pads.

Is there a consensus on this forum as to an average mileage to need pad replacement? I would think anything under 12-15k would indicate an issue and anything over 20-22 would be extremely lucky or light-footed.

 

[lexman34]

If you check my past posts regarding brakes..i had mine first done around 12k. I was very surprised at that. I do not trust the dealership when it comes to telling me when i need brakes and i would certainly suggest a 2nd outside opinion. I have 29K on my LR4 and i have had 2 sets of brakes done. They wear down fast I watch these posts like a hawk for 2 years now and i have seen some guys get 20k-23k but i would bet 75% of that is highway. I live in the boroughs of NYC so i am screwed.

That dealership is not being honest with you trying to get you to do it based on saving the sensors. They only cost $20. I would not get my brakes changed until the actual light comes on. Even then i wait another week.

I get my brakes done at an outside shop. Nothing else. You will save in labor for sure. Just be sure they are ordering the rights sensors.

 

[CaptainSpalding]

Thanks everyone for your replies. I'll have an outside shop look at the brakes and comment on the half-worn-pads-wear-faster issue.

One of these days one of us will do a nice step-by-step pad changing post with photos and that will be a great service to all of us.

If I were changing the pads myself, the idea of a preemptive pad replacement to avoid changing the sensors actually becomes more appealing.

 

[baobay]

Thanks everyone for your replies. I'll have an outside shop look at the brakes and comment on the half-worn-pads-wear-faster issue.

One of these days one of us will do a nice step-by-step pad changing post with photos and that will be a great service to all of us.

If I were changing the pads myself, the idea of a preemptive pad replacement to avoid changing the sensors actually becomes more appealing.

That would be AWESOME if someone posts pics of a break pad change. Someone in the past mentioned that the job is very easy and takes 15 minutes per wheel. Would love to see pics if anyone does it.

 

[Finlayforprez]

That would be AWESOME if someone posts pics of a break pad change. Someone in the past mentioned that the job is very easy and takes 15 minutes per wheel. Would love to see pics if anyone does it.

I second that!

 

[blackforestham]

I'm at 65k on my '06 LR3. I've only had to service the front brake pads once and the rears are still stock. I've adjusted the EPB's recently. That's it. I drive like an old lady and use command shift 100% of the time. The engine compression braking has no doubt added to the life of the pads. Sounds like a few people here are pretty ******* their brake usage. The rig weighs over 6k lbs and takes a toll on the braking system if you race from stoplight to stoplight. Take 'er easy and let 'er drift. It sure doesn't hurt that I drive less than 10k miles per year on her...