Land Rover Brake Replacement in Seattle

Land Rovers are some of the heaviest cars we work on, so it follows that they have some of the strongest brakes. Braking is arguably the most important part of driving, and with some Land Rover models nearing 7,000 pounds, doing so is no easy feat.

Most Land Rover models use traditional style braking systems consisting of a high carbon alloy brake rotor and brake pads featuring various compositions. A component called the brake caliper squeezes the brake pads against the rotors which generates friction, stopping the vehicle.

Which Brake Noises are and are not Concerning?

The most common complaint with the Land Rover braking system is noise related. But some noises can indicate more pressing issues than others. A high pitch squeaking noise does not usually indicate a problem that will impact the reliability of the braking system. Squeaking is often due to poor lubrication on the brake pad sliding surface, worn brake rotors, or a buildup of debris on the surface of the brake rotor and pad, often referred to as “glaze”. All of the above happens as a normal side effect of day-to-day brake usage, however, infrequent use, over-heating, or frequent contamination can exacerbate symptoms.

A grinding noise when braking requires immediate attention. This indicates that something is seriously wrong and under no circumstances should your brakes make a grinding noise. This often indicates that the friction material of the brake pad has completely worn out and you are contacting the metal brake pad backing plate against the brake rotor. This presents an issue because the friction material plays a key role in slowing down the car that the backing plate can not fulfill. Put simply, the vehicle can no longer stop safely.

The Importance of Prompt and Thorough Brake Repair

With the above average size of Land Rover braking systems comes increased cost. While it can be tempting to forgo replacement of the brake rotors to save some money, we typically recommend against this. This is to ensure that we always perform a satisfactory, long lasting repair. There are several ways that brake rotors can wear. Generally, the rotor manufacturer will designate a minimum allowable thickness for the rotor, as it will lose material over tens of thousands of miles of braking. Another common issue brake rotors suffer is warpage. Warpage occurs when the surface of the rotor is no longer smooth. Rotor warpage is often felt as a shimmy in the steering wheel or vibration in the brake pedal when braking. This warpage is almost always imperceptible to the human eye, with surface inconsistencies as little as 5 thousands of an inch leading to undesirable side effects.

Get your Brakes Inspected Today!

Most Land Rover models are equipped with brake pad wear sensors which will trigger a warning on the dash when it’s time to replace your brakes. Despite this, it is wise to have your brakes checked every time the vehicle is being serviced. Precision Motorworks offers complementary brake inspections and cost effective, efficient brake system repairs. With Precision Motorworks you can brake with confidence!