Thread: Electronic Park Brake keeps failing

OK folks what I'm hearing is as follows:

• Crud gets in inside the park brake drum possibly from off roading
• The crud wears down the break shoes until the gap between the shoes and the drum is too great
• The actuator then over-extends itself trying to apply the brake
• Because the actuator is made of plastic and is not 'fit for purpose' it fails
• The whole thing then needs to be replaced

Aside from Land Rover admitting the design fault and supplying a replacement that is fit for purpose, the best approach would be to clean and adjust the EPB every 5,000k's instead of the usual 10,000. Provided things are clean and properly adjusted, the EPB should then last for much, much longer.

Nick

My theory is that it will last a lot longer if never or very rarely used.

Using the park function on the auto instead of the park brake is both crazy AND illegal.

Road rules in all states specify that the park brake must be engaged when a vehicle is left parked.

Park should also not be used offroad on steep hills. I have seen a few RRC owners who have done this and need the load taken off by towing or winching to allow them to change out of park.

For a long term solution either sue LandRover or get x-eng to make an x-brake for the D3/D4 (may already be in the pipeline?).

Originally Posted by adventure

OK folks what I'm hearing is as follows:

• Crud gets in inside the park brake drum possibly from off roading
• The crud wears down the break shoes until the gap between the shoes and the drum is too great
• The actuator then over-extends itself trying to apply the brake
• Because the actuator is made of plastic and is not 'fit for purpose' it fails
• The whole thing then needs to be replaced

Aside from Land Rover admitting the design fault and supplying a replacement that is fit for purpose, the best approach would be to clean and adjust the EPB every 5,000k's instead of the usual 10,000. Provided things are clean and properly adjusted, the EPB should then last for much, much longer.

Nick

Nick,

I have had the EPB squeal a number of times, almost always after being off road in muddy/wet conditions. But have not had to replace the actuator or mechanism each time, as far as I am aware.

I think it was replaced once under warranty but each other time I have simply had it adjusted and reset. I am surprised that you have had to have it replace so many times and I certainly ask for it to be serviced each time.

Notwithstanding that I agree the fact this continues to be such a common failure seem crazy. Surely the simplest solution would be to redesign the EPB rather than continually have to replace items under warranty !!

George

Just a quick note to save everyones back pocket.

The first time you hear the famous Land Rover EPB
"Musical Screech" DO NOT operate the hand brake
Again if you can help and obviously depends on the
Conditions at the time.

By doing this your giving the module/actuator the chance
To be cleaned Adjusted ONLY and maybe some new
handbrake shoes in most cases saving on the cost
of a replacement EPB.

The more times you hear it the more damage is caused to
The plastic gears inside the EPB module.

All the best
Wael

Here's my experience for what its worth: My previous D3 had to have the park brake shoes replaced after about 50000 km - I had taken it in due to the PB jamming on a few times (released by centre console release cable each time) Dealers mechanic asked me if I used the electronic auto brake release at traffic lights etc. which I always did. He advised that each time the auto release is used it wears the PB pads a tiny bit which adds up over time. He advised that manual releasing will almost eliminate the wear as the PB is then on or off - not contacting a spinning hub for a split second as it releases. I have a D4 now and I have religiously avoided using the electronic auto release on acceleration at traffic lights etc. and I have now hit 57000 km and never had a problem not even a need to release via the hard to get at cable. I always get the car checked after off road heavy usage though, and I make sure it is cleaned out along with air filter etc. One thing I was also advised by the mechanic, that I should keep using the PB, apart from the law requiring it, as leaving it unused will have a negative effect also, not exactly sure why, I guess its to avoid build up of brake dust or road grime etc in the mechanism, any for what ever reason its worked well for me ever since. does anyone know if the D4 and D3 PB the same design?

Originally Posted by Roger

I have a D4 now and I have religiously avoided using the electronic auto release on acceleration at traffic lights etc. and I have now hit 57000 km and never had a problem not even a need to release via the hard to get at cable. I always get the car checked after off road heavy usage though, and I make sure it is cleaned out along with air filter etc.

This is good advice Roger. I must admit to having occasionally used the auto release feature but have always felt a little uncomfortable with doing so. Im going to be following your method from now on!

LPJ

Does anybody know if the EPB has been upgraded on the D4? I am up to 80,000k now and haven't had a problem. By the time I got this amount of Ks on my D3 I had had multiple screeches and adjustments.