What Causes a Land Rover Parking Brake Malfunction?
2 Answers
Parking brake malfunction symptoms and causes are as follows: 1. Parking brake failure: The main causes of failure are excessive clearance between the friction pads and brake drum, oil contamination on the friction pads or brake drum, severe wear of the friction pads, exposed rivets, or surface hardening leading to slippage. It could also be due to severe wear of the parking brake pivot shaft, excessive clearance, or an over-adjusted parking brake lever. 2. Parking brake lever cannot stay fixed: When applying the parking brake, pulling the lever to the braking position and releasing it does not keep it fixed in place. Before inspection, press and release the lever head, then grip and release the lever handle to test up and down movement. Check if the lever is bent, stuck, or if the spring is broken. If no issues are found, examine whether severe wear of the sector gear or pin has caused slippage. 3. Unusual noises: If a "clattering" sound is heard from the parking brake while driving a diesel vehicle, stop immediately and inspect it. Manually shake the parking brake to check for loose fixing screws, deformed lever, loose pivot pin, or damaged lever spring. Prompt repair and adjustment are necessary.
I've driven quite a few Land Rovers, and there are usually several major reasons for parking brake failures: First, mechanical component issues, such as worn brake pads or rusted cables, which are quite common in older models, especially after driving through muddy areas where they can easily get stuck. Second, electronic system failures. Most Land Rovers use electronic parking systems, and sensor malfunctions or control module bugs can cause the system to stop working. Water ingress during rainy weather can also lead to short circuits. Third, improper operation, such as starting the vehicle without fully releasing the brake, which can damage components over time. Fourth, power supply issues. A weak vehicle battery or faulty alternator can disrupt the entire system. Fifth, inadequate maintenance, such as neglecting regular inspections or lubrication, leading to part deterioration. It's recommended to take the vehicle to a professional shop for a thorough diagnosis using specialized tools to avoid safety hazards. Regular cleaning of the brake area can also help extend its lifespan.
