Land Rover Repair: Brakes, land rover freelander, disc brake pad

Question
I have a 2002 Land Rover, Freelander with 21,000 miles regestered.  My question is with respect to the front brakes.  When changing the brake pad's, are any special tools required?  Also, the dealer wants $114.00 dollars for a set of pads.  Any information on after market brake pads would be helpful.
The disk rotor apears to be worn more than vehicles made in the U. S.dirving under the same conditions.  South Western PA terrain. What is the wear limit before I need to change the rotors?   
Regards,
Bill  

Answer
Hi Bill,

I am not exactly sure about your Freelander but I can tell you about my Discovery.  No special tools are required to change the pads, unless you consider a caliper piston spreader as a 'special' tool.  Like any other disc brake pad, you simply have to spread the caliper piston and slip in the new pads.  Replace the pins and springs with new ones is strongly advised.  Front pads $30 to $50 max.

I trust Raybestos for brake parts on my LR Discovery. For your FreeLander, ask your local autoparts shop for Raybestos part number D926 (front pads).

As for discs, 21K is low mileage for changing your discs.  Again, for my Discovery, my rotors lasted about 70,000miles until they were changed.  Front will wear out before rear.  Check with dealer about minimum thickness of disc.  You have to consider that our LR's are heavier than most 4x4's in their class.  My Disco is almost 5000lbs.  I'm sure your Freelander is a heavy one too!  For example, I've seen the axles on my Disco and it would make a Chevy or Ram owner very self-conscious.  I was once told by a LR mechanic that because of the extra weight, the brakes lifespan is shorter than most other vehicles.  He then advised me to change my pads every 2 or 3 years.  Advise I will adhere to.   If you are changing your pads every 2 years, your rotors will last much longer.  Make sure you buy semi-metallic and NOT kevlar.  Better to wear out the pads than the disc!

Check out RockAuto for parts and comparative pricing.
http://www.rockauto.com

Also:
Atlantic British
www.atlanticbritish.com

Best of luck,

JohnMc