Land Rover Repair: 1996 Discovery brake sound, salvage yard, brakes and rotors

Question
Hi John,

I have a 96 Discovery with 110,000 miles on it.  It has been driven regularly for the past 6 years and maintained by the local dealer. Recently a metalic scraping sound has started coming from the left front wheel when I depress the brakes.  The scraping gradually diminishes after I let off the brake pedal. The brakes seem to work fine (no pulling, squeeking or serious metal on metal grinding as the pedal is depressed) and the front brakes and rotors were replaced less than 1,000 miles ago.  Any idea what might be going on? Thanks much!

-Mark


Answer
Hi Mark,

sounds like your pads are worn.  Could be a seized caliper that wore down your pads and now you're hearing the last remnants of the pads.

You'll have to remove your wheels and check the rotor for excessive wear.  If you can't pull out your pads, the caliper has seized.  

Its not uncommon for calipers to seize on our older Disco's.  I've had to replace two calipers...so far...and I'm rebuilding one now as a summer project (just in case I need it).

If you need rebuild parts, like a caliper, you can always try a salvage yard.  Use this site:

http://www.car-part.com

They have good prices and maybe there's a salvage yard close to your home!

Best of luck,

JohnMc

NB:  I found a caliper for $30US.  It needs some cleaning and lubrication but it'll be next to new when I'm done.  Lower mileage calipers run about $75US.