Hand brake problem on Disco 3 HSE V8

[gazcoonar]

Hi guys

My parking break is playing up. This has now happened to me on 3 different occasions – As I am about to drive away, I push down the hand break to release it, but it starts making a loud screeching noise and an error comes up saying something along the lines of “Hand break failure”. The awful screeching continues until the car is turned off. The sound is something I would expect of a tram if it was doing a burnout on Collins st.. metal on metal...

I called up MLR service department and they advised me that the hand break needs readjustment, which is done at the time of a 12 month service.
I told the guy that I just got that service about a month ago and he quickly changed his statement to say that it is actually not a part of the 12 month service, but it is usually undertaken at the same time.
Also, he went on to say that they may have adjusted the hand break at the service, but if 2 weeks later it gets covered with dirt then it is not their service department’s fault (not that I was blaming them in the first place).
Now –I have probably done about 400kms since my service and have just driven the car in Melbourne. I would hope this sort of problem should not occur under normal driving conditions..

End of the day he just wants to charge me for 1 hour’s labour for them to fix this issue, as this is not considered a fault that should be covered under warranty.

Any thoughts? Am I being ripped off??

[DiscoWeb]

gazcooner,

Unfortunately this is a very common issue with the D3 & D4 but usually related to having driven off road through mud or water etc not normal on road conditions.

I would expect this to be part of the normal service and if you have not been off road would suggest it is most likely something they should fix.

Also have a look through the FAQ a sticky thread on this forum as it will also tell you how to manually release the hand brake to stop that squeal if it happens again.

George

[101RRS]

I just checked the official service schedule - it is an A and B service meaning it is done every 24,000km or 12months which every is earlier.

Garry

[gazcoonar]

Hi George and Garry

Thank you for your help.

Hopefully this will be an easy fix.. : )

[roamer]

In the meantime don't put it on, because if it jams on, it's not that easy to get off manually.

Cheers Ken

[rocmic]

Actually it's not that hard to get the brake off manually, just a PITA. I generally check with the dealer to see if they check the adjustment each service.
I had the full actuator unit replaced earlier this year under extended warranty and I'm pretty sure that I am not alone.
Prior to that I had the squeal problem a couple of times especially after going off road.
Cheers
Mike

[101RRS]

The service schedule says:

IT IS RECOMMENDED THAT :
After 80 km continuous use in severe off road conditions - wading, deep mud and abrasive grit/slurry - the electric park brake should be inspected, cleaned and adjusted.

[roamer]

Actually it's not that hard to get the brake off manually, just a PITA. Cheers
Mike

Well on my ex D3 when it jammed on up in the Kimberley, pulling that cable took a hole lot effort, I had to use the jack handle to get enough leverage,and just hope it didn't break.
Have you actually done it while jammed or just read the book. :D

Cheers Ken

[NavyDiver]

Hi guys

My parking break is playing up. This has now happened to me on 3 different occasions –

End of the day he just wants to charge me for 1 hour’s labour for them to fix this issue, as this is not considered a fault that should be covered under warranty.

Any thoughts? Am I being ripped off??

Was playing last week in the dirt and rain. Not really bogged just sliping about on wet clay. Parking brake failed shortly into my 3 odd hour winch challange to get out.
Emergancy release of the brake is a bit of a challange the first time but effective ( see owners manual).
My park brake was working fine after an hour or two drive in heavy rain and very wet roads. I am sure it was just dirt not an adjustement issue. Dropping the rear wheels off, the brakes and the hub and give it a good clean out. Adjust the parking brake to lock then back off two turns and your problem should be gone. It is a few hours work. not too hard and nicer and cheaper if you get to do it yourself and importantly. Once you know how to fix it you also know roughly how much you could choose to pay to have it fixed. If it is just an adjustment needed check your hubs after a 30min drive. If they are very hot then get it adjusted fast! If yours in new and not been too dirty an adjustement should be about 30 minutes.

[NavyDiver]

Well on my ex D3 when it jammed on up in the Kimberley, pulling that cable took a hole lot effort, I had to use the jack handle to get enough leverage,and just hope it didn't break.
Have you actually done it while jammed or just read the book. :D

Cheers Ken
I broke my LLams switch with the jack hook over the jack handle to get mine to let go Ken
Whoops

[roamer]

Yeah, I was worried the cable would break, and the handle was going to punch thru the the roof. :wacko:
I don't use it anymore when off the road. :burnrubber:

Cheers Ken

[rocmic]

Well on my ex D3 when it jammed on up in the Kimberley, pulling that cable took a hole lot effort, I had to use the jack handle to get enough leverage,and just hope it didn't break.
Have you actually done it while jammed or just read the book. :D

Cheers Ken
Yep I've done it - more than once. First time is a bit scary, feels like the whole thing may go and you go flying with it. But after a couple more times it becomes much more mundane:p.
Cheers
Mike

OOOh my 50th post

[gazcoonar]

Hi guys thanks to all for your advise..

Verdict - Took the car down to MLR on saturday. Looks like they need to replace the whole handbrake module assembly. Thankfully I took out the extended warranty when I bought the car, which means it will not be a costly exercise for me this time around.

They could only book me in for the 19th - not allowed to use the handbreak in the mean time..

[101RRS]

Hi guys thanks to all for your advise..

Verdict - Took the car down to MLR on saturday. Looks like they need to replace the whole handbrake module assembly. Thankfully I took out the extended warranty when I bought the car, which means it will not be a costly exercise for me this time around.

They could only book me in for the 19th - not allowed to use the handbreak in the mean time..

The usual repair by replacement rather than actually fix.

[adzee]

I have to take my hat off to ULR, I bought my D3 off them 8 weeks ago, an have done over 5000kms when I took it in, mine was screeching like hell! Ritter had quoted up to $1700 to replace so I tried to get it under warranty even though I have travelled more than what they are required to cover. They did it today, replacing the module, plus software updates etc. very impressed with their no questions no fuss attitude.

Starting to think they aren't all about ripping you off at every opportunity!

[ozscott]

The usual repair by replacement rather than actually fix.

Is there a viable repair that will last? Or is this just another example of fine LR engineering that looks great on paper but not in the field?


Cheers

[gazcoonar]

I have to take my hat off to ULR, I bought my D3 off them 8 weeks ago, an have done over 5000kms when I took it in, mine was screeching like hell! Ritter had quoted up to $1700 to replace so I tried to get it under warranty even though I have travelled more than what they are required to cover. They did it today, replacing the module, plus software updates etc. very impressed with their no questions no fuss attitude.

Starting to think they aren't all about ripping you off at every opportunity!

I have to second that - Took the car in on Monday, they replaced the whole handbreak assembly no questions asked...
If I was to pay, it would had cost 1685 inclusive of labour.
Having said that I thought Ritter being a non dealer mechanic should be a lot cheaper. How can they charge people 1700 for a job that MLR do for 1685?

GOOD JOB MLR!!!

[adzee]

Ulr also came good on a tow bar tongue which I wasn't aware was on extra - that been said I wasn't told either but they have been exceptionally good so far. Hand brake is working a treat!