Avoiding trouble

FAULTS on the EPB system won’t necessarily flag up a warning lamp right away, so it’s worth checking in other ways for faults before they fully develop. Typical Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCS) include C1A:34-00, 53-68 and 46-62, but often the first sign is a screech from the actuator module which can be easily heard when applying the park brake with the door open and the engine off. There will be a normal whirr as the brake is applied and released, but a screech means something is seized and/or the actuator has overrun. Either way, it hasn’t long to live. If you hear a screech, press the switch to the release position instantly. It might be safe to then switch it back on again, but things aren’t going to get any better. If the warning lamp appears on the dashboard, try switching the ignition off and removing the key for a few seconds to clear it. If the lamp stays on, it’s an MOT failure and there won’t be an effective park brake.

Failure causes include seized cables, incorrectly adjusted brake shoes, worn shoes, corroded brake shoe mechanisms, accumulation of brake dust inside the drum and damaged shoe linings. So a check and reset of these components, plus cleaning the drum and shoes may cure the problem, if caught early.

Maintenance

There’s little that can be done other than to ensure the drums are clean inside whenever the brakes are serviced (more frequently if off-roading in dusty or especially wet conditions where water and grit can enter the brake drums), that the shoes are correctly adjusted and that quality parts are fitted. The EPB actuator module is watertight, and electrical connections on Land Rovers are first-class, but deep wading brings with it the possibility of moisture and silt entering between moving surfaces with the potential to cause stickiness, adding to motor and gear loading. The two cables enter each brake via the back plate using a watertight screwed connection, so check the condition of these, and the cable guides on the suspension arm at service times.

By using the park brake regularly so that parts don’t have time to seize, the cables are more likely to stay free and easily operable without risking overloading the tensioning system. Release the EPB with the switch before driving off rather than relying on the system to do it automatically. In fairness though, correct use and maintenance should keep the system serviceable and trouble-free for the long term – the trouble is that, given their age, many of these vehicles have actually exceeded the ‘long term’ in respect of average car life.

Critical adjustment

One of two setting devices, this adjuster sets shoe-to-drum clearance. Note the build-up of brake dust on these shoes, and grab marks on the friction faces.

Wipe-out

The friction faces on these brake shoes have overheated, broken up and been completely wiped off the shoes in a cloud of dust, letting the actuator module overrun.

Check spare wheel winch

If seized, it will need renewing to remove the spare to access the actuator module, adding more cost, as well as being inconvenient when a flat tyre occurs.

Break-up

Maladjustment of the shoes in the drum leads to overheating, overloading and, as seen here, break-up of the shoe friction faces inside the drum.

Reasons to maintain

The crack across the face of this drum was because of a park brake locking up at 70mph. Fortunately, Land Rover parts are designed with strength to spare.