Disc rotors

[connock]

Hi All

How long should one get out of a new set of front rotors. Two services ago I had new break rotors fitted front and back and pads of coarse. Also hand break gizmo. So only 24k later the fronts are warped :mad: (slight shudder when applying break lightly ) I have done no water crossings in this time. Had noticed the shudder at 12k but dealer could,nt so nothing was done at this time, now they feel it.

cheers connock

PS Its a 06 TDV6 SE

[Neil P]

I'm on all original at 39000km . The pads look good for another 15000 or
more . Discs are fine . No towing and few hills . I use the gears alot .
Discs usually last 2 sets of pads on D3 18" ers......

[Mick_Marsh]

On the Commodore, I didn't replace my rotors until well over 200,000km. Never machined. I have heard stories of 20,000km between machining.
On the hybrid ('81 RRC chassis), I have just had them replaced. I have driven it over 200,000km but I don't know the history of the previous 200,000km.
It depends a lot on the way you drive. I know people who are constantly heavy on brakes but I rarely use mine preferring to let the engine slow down the car and then applying the brakes at a much slower speed.
With the warping, they probably got too hot at some stage. Are the discs vented?

[Neil P]

The discs aren't vented . The system is designed to use
2 sets of pads for one set of discs . Alot of Yanks went for harder
pads , thinking more mileage , but they just eat the discs.
Lower wear rate systems don't give the same high-brake effect.
Remember when discs lasted forever , and pads for years .......
stopping distance was terrible !

[Mick_Marsh]

Yes, discs are considered a consumable nowdays.
I'm getting about three sets of pads per disc. The pads are lasting around 60,000 to 80,000km. I do a lot of country miles.

[connock]

Thanks guys

I thourght I would have gotten around 80 to 100k out of a set, I have warped a set on my defender by driving through deep water and the breaks were to hot, but this was not the case , just road some sand use and a little lite towing. Never mind its only money:(
Since posting this question the dealer has rang to tell me the trans fluid is a bit discoloured and smelly this was only changed three services ago. BUGGER.
Wouldnt drive anything else tho;)

Thanks again for the input

[Neil P]

the trans fluid is a bit discoloured and smelly this was only changed three services ago.
What on Earth is going on with your maintenance ? :eek:

[ADMIRAL]

The discs aren't vented . The system is designed to use
2 sets of pads for one set of discs . Alot of Yanks went for harder
pads , thinking more mileage , but they just eat the discs.
Lower wear rate systems don't give the same high-brake effect.
Remember when discs lasted forever , and pads for years .......
stopping distance was terrible !

Once the asbestos was dropped from the pad compounds and various levels of metal included, the wear rates climbed dramatically. A good proportion of the dust seen on modern wheel rims is not the pads, it is from the rotor. A side effect of all this, is that brake rotors are now a disposable component, and have come down dramatically in price.

There are some pads using new technology out there. Do some comparisons, and read the service book before buying a new car. Some new vehicles are listed to have rotors and pads replaced at 40000klms. A rude shock, as they are not a warranty item.

Part of the modern world we now have to live with.

[Disco4SE]

I am only a couple of thousand off my 48K service. Wonder if mine need replacing?
Shall let you know.
Cheers, Craig

[connock]

What on Earth is going on with your maintenance ? :eek:


I know its gone out of control:o the rotors are reasonably priced but we all know the price of atf. Each service latelly theres something else and yes it generally makes your eyes pop.

[Mick_Marsh]

Buy a classic Mercedes. Give yourself a reality check. I don't think any of my mechanics bills have come in under $2k and I supplied most of the parts.

[Colin Pedersen]

In the same boat, at the last service was told I needed new rotors and pads all round in the next 5K and was quoted $1.5K.

As mentioned, Rotors are now consumables and any industry that makes consumables ensures the dealer makes lots of money from it! but, once it is a consumable there is an after market. Brakes are an item that's easily done yourself of at a local mechanic if you source them yourself.

I quickly fond rotors and pads on ebay and can purchase the lot for under $600...and a very helpful after market guy in Hobart. I know what I'll be doing.

I also have the good oil on adjusting the EPB system, easy once you know how.

[Disco4SE]

Had my 48K service today. Disc rotors are fine, but had to have the front brake pads replaced.
Cheers, Craig

[PAT303]

Do yourselves a favour and buy a torque wrench,do the wheel nuts up the same and the rotors will spin true and won't warp. Pat

[bbyer]

Do yourselves a favour and buy a torque wrench, do the wheel nuts up the same and the rotors will spin true and won't warp. Pat

So you are saying that one can kind of warp the rotors or at least assist the rotors, (I guess both front and rear), to warp by uneven tightening of the wheel lugs?

I had never really thought about that. I figured the torque wrench requirement was more just a keep the wheels from flying off at inconvenient times - like anytime.

[brad72]

Do yourselves a favour and buy a torque wrench,do the wheel nuts up the same and the rotors will spin true and won't warp. Pat

That's good to know since my torque wrench gets no use since I stated buying new cars and don't spend weekends fixing old ones.

[dangermousehouse]

I've recently bought a 2005 D3 TDV6 HSE. The vehicle came with a substantial service history.

Here's the history for the brakes.

72451 klms New front discs and pads, new rear brake pads
133825 klms New front and rear discs and pads
192741 klms New front discs and pads, new rear brake pads


Hope that helps

[PAT303]

So you are saying that one can kind of warp the rotors or at least assist the rotors, (I guess both front and rear), to warp by uneven tightening of the wheel lugs?

I had never really thought about that. I figured the torque wrench requirement was more just a keep the wheels from flying off at inconvenient times - like anytime.

The rotor won't spin true if the nuts are done up unevenly and you'll get shuddering through the pedal as the rotor pushes the pads in and out.I have done it for years and never had an issue with warped rotors. Pat

[connock]

Do yourselves a favour and buy a torque wrench,do the wheel nuts up the same and the rotors will spin true and won't warp. Pat


Yep I agree and I also have allways tightened my nuts with a tourque wrench ( hurts sometimes ) this is why I was a bit shocked. I have warped my front rotors after entering cold water when they were to hot ( woops ) but this wasnt the case either. Maybe its due to the car being so heavy but feeling like a sports car :D

[discojools]

Just for everybody's interest my RRS TDV8 front 19" discs have just been changed at a price of $80 each plus a small amount of labour by my local Landrover garage in Frankston.. I think my dealer wanted at least $600!

[SuperMono]

I won't be complaining if I get 60-70K out of a set of discs on the D3.
Given the weight and performance available they will get worked pretty hard.

Of those I recall in the past.
Freelander: Never wore out a set.
Falcon: less than 40K on front discs.
Verada: 50-60K.

If you run a high end Merc or BMW you could probably expect brakes every 2nd or 3rd service.

[PAT303]

Just for everybody's interest my RRS TDV8 front 19" discs have just been changed at a price of $80 each plus a small amount of labour by my local Landrover garage in Frankston.. I think my dealer wanted at least $600!

That's what I paid for my RR rotors and I changed them in 2hours,makes you wonder why people make such a big deal about it. Pat

[awilliams]

Hi all.... just to add to the forum and a quick question...

My Discovery 3 (2005) V8 is in need of new rotors. I sourced parts at a fraction of the price of the dealer, (ie $88 per rotor vs $375) from specialist importer and got to work. I ran into a hitch with the bolts holding the caliper support frame to the wheel hub. These bolts seem to require a specialised socket or similar. Has anyone sourced this device or am I heading down the wrong path?

Thanks
Al

[connock]

G Day awilliams

From memory its a standard 12 sided socket/ ring spanner around 20 or 21mm. Try that

[101RRS]

Most likely a torx head - suitable sockets are available and most auto parts stores or tool shops.

Garry

[bbyer]

Hi all.... just to add to the forum and a quick question. I ran into a hitch with the bolts holding the caliper support frame to the wheel hub. These bolts seem to require a specialised socket or similar. Has anyone sourced this device or am I heading down the wrong path? Thanks Al

The link below is to five pdf's which are a continuing "series" on how to change the brakes on a D3 including the parking brake.

The reason for the many pdf's is that Bodsy, (the author), incorporates new hints based on comments from other Disco3 members, hence he revises the instructions.

The current version is 1.5 and it is really quite detailed; over 500 views now - and I think the answer is Torx 50

DISCO3.CO.UK Photo Gallery - Bodsy's Brake Bible (http://www.disco3.co.uk/gallery/thumbnails.php?album=4184)

[Tote]

Did my front disks and pads last night following the Bible. Vehicle has 145000Km on it and this is the second set of pads and discs on the front. Rear pads need changing too and both rear pads and disks were changed at about 80,000KM due to the handbrake drums being scored.

Regards,
Tote