Land Rover Repair: 97 LR Discovery Brake Rotors, raybestos rotors, brake job


Question
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So if I measure the rotors and they are thicker that the 3.0 mm minimum and do not look to be gouged or damaged, should I just replace the pads and be done?


Followup To
Question -
I have a 97 Discovery in need of a brake job (front brakes squeak when brakes are applied). I am used to American cars and turning rotors as a part of the job.  I have been told by the dealership and other service locations that the LR rotors are too soft to be machined.  Does that mean that all I need to do is replace the pads and leave the rotors alone?  Should I discard the Front rotors if they are less than 0.866" as suggested?  Rears at 0.460"?
Thanks in advance for the advice,
Kevin

Answer -
Hi Kevin,

If your rotors are below the minimum 3.0mm then they'll have to be replaced.

Rotors are about $60 each in the US.  To turn a rotor is about $25...better to purchase new than pay to use a less than perfect rotor.  

With our Series I Disco, the rotors are already too thin (in my own opinion).  The series II Disco's have a rotor that is twice as thick as ours! Much better stopping power.

My suggestion to you is to purchase some new Raybestos rotors and pads and maintain the best stopping capability that you can.  If you machine down your rotors, you may affect the stopping distance when you really need it!

Regards,

JohnMc

NB: interesting you should ask this.  I am just about to change the rotors on the rear of my Disco. I did the front ones in October of last year and now the rear is needed.  2rd brake job on a 10 year old Disco...not too bad. Removing the original rotors was not easy but I managed.

Answer
Hi Kevin, you misunderstood my answer,

if your rotor has lost 3mm from the original size, you should swap them out.  I think the minimum thickness is 12mm.

If your disc is 12mm and in good shape, just change the pads.  IF you feel you need to have them turned, why bother - just replace them disc entirely.  About $20 more for a new one!

Regards,

JohnMc