The complete guide to the third generation Range Rover · 2002 to 2012

Brakes

Last updated: 18 June 2012

Stopping 2.5+ tonnes takes serious brakes. The L322 uses large discs all round, with Brembo front brakes on faster models, an electronic parking brake from 2007, and Hill Descent Control from launch. Brakes are a known wear (and cost) item on these heavy cars.

[ ▲ ]

Photo: Brembo front brake & disc

add image here

Key takeaway: Big brakes for a heavy car: Brembo on faster models, EPB from 2007. Watch sticking rear calipers and heavy pad/disc wear.

Brake setup

Ventilated discs front and rear, sized to the wheel (front discs around 300-349 mm).
ABS with brake-force distribution tied into Terrain Response?Terrain Response — Land Rover's rotary off-road system: one dial reconfigures throttle, gearbox, ride height, ABS and diffs to suit grass, mud, sand, rock or normal driving. and stability control.
Post-2006 Sport-derived and supercharged cars use larger front discs with fixed calipers.

Brembo brakes

From 2007 (and on supercharged cars), Brembo?Brembo is a premium Italian brake maker; its larger discs and multi-piston fixed calipers give stronger, more consistent braking under load. front brakes with multi-piston fixed calipers were fitted for stronger, more fade-resistant stopping, important given the weight and the supercharged cars' pace. Brembo-equipped cars cost more for pads and discs.

Electronic parking brake (EPB)

The 2007 update replaced the manual handbrake with an electronic parking brake. It is convenient, but the rear caliper actuators are a known weak spot:

WATCH OUT EPB rear caliper seizure causes partial brake application even when driving normally, wearing rear pads and discs prematurely. A useful check: after a run, seized rear calipers leave the rear discs noticeably hotter than the fronts.

Hill Descent Control (HDC)

Standard from launch and developed with Bosch (also used on the BMW X5), HDC lets the car crawl down steep, slippery descents at a controlled low speed using the ABS to brake individual wheels — no need to ride the brake pedal.

Faults & wear

Issue	Notes
Heavy pad/disc wear	A heavy car — pads/discs can need doing by ~30,000 miles.
EPB caliper seizure	Premature rear wear; check rear disc temperature after a run.
Diesel servo assistance	Reduced assistance often = worn vacuum pump or hose, not the master cylinder.
Brembo costs	Budget more for parts on Brembo-equipped cars.

↑ Back to top · « Technical overview