Land Rover Repair: brake/rotor replacement-1997 Discovery, brake rotor replacement, brake pads and rotors

Question
we have a 1997 Land Rover Discovery with 135K miles. the brakes have started squealing. the mechanic said all 4 brakes and rotors needed to be replaced and the cost would be close to $1000 USD. is this reasonalble? he said it takes 4 hrs of labor just to get to the rotors. how can he diagnose this without looking at the rotors and why are they so time-consuming to get to?

Answer
The brake pads and rotors are visible when the tire is removed, so there is no real issue diagnosing them.

Brake rotors will take at least half a day to change because the wheel bearings have to come apart.  You can see them but changing them is time consuming.  You also have to remove the calipers and it's possible you will find the calipers have frozen pistons, necessitating replacement of them as well.

Given the time involved, and knowing parts for each corner are over $100 your price is within reason.