Your Land Rover’s parking brake is also known as the Electronic Parking Brake (EPB.) This is an essential component of any vehicle’s safety system. It is designed to keep your SUV stationary when parked on an incline and prevent it from rolling away. Your parking brake failure can be a serious safety issue, and it’s important to know the signs and reasons behind it.
Your Land Rover’s electronic parking brake operates independently from your pedal-controlled hydraulic brakes. This brake is typically engaged by pushing the EPB button on your steering wheel. When engaged, the parking brake applies pressure to the rear wheels of the vehicle, preventing them from moving.
It’s important to be able to identify the signs that your EPB is having trouble. Below, we will discuss some symptoms that indicate a problem with the parking brake.
Brake Isn’t Engaging Properly
One of the most common signs is the lack of resistance when the parking brake is engaged. This could mean that the brake cables or linkage are loose or broken.
Slow Roll
Another indication is if your car starts to roll or move when the parking brake is engaged. This could be due to worn brake shoes or damaged brake pads.
Grinding Noise
Additionally, if you hear a grinding or squealing noise when applying the parking brake, it could indicate that the brake pads are worn down and need to be replaced.
If you experience any of these signs, it is important to get your parking brake inspected and repaired by a professional mechanic as soon as possible to avoid any accidents or damage to your Land Rover.
Reasons for Parking Brake Failure in Land Rovers
There are several reasons why your electronic parking brake may fail in your Land Rover:
- Worn-out Brake Pads: Brake pads are an essential component of the parking brake system in a Land Rover. Over time, the brake pads can become worn out or damaged, leading to reduced braking performance. When the brake pads wear down, they become thin and can no longer provide enough friction to hold the vehicle in place. This can cause the electronic parking brake to fail.
- Corrosion: Corrosion is a common issue in Land Rovers, especially in areas with high humidity or salted roads. Corrosion can affect the parking brake cables, brake drums, and other components of the parking brake system, leading to weak or failed parts. Corrosion can cause brake cables to become brittle, making them more susceptible to breakage. Brake drums can become corroded and weakened, causing the parking brake to fail to hold the vehicle in place.
- Misaligned or Worn Brake Drums: Brake drums are responsible for holding the brake shoes and providing the necessary friction to stop the vehicle. When the brake drums become misaligned or worn out, they cannot hold the brake shoes in the correct position, leading to parking brake failure. Misaligned or worn down brake drums can also cause the brake shoes to wear unevenly, reducing their effectiveness.
- Faulty Parking Brake Switch: The parking brake switch is an electrical component that engages and disengages the parking brake in vehicles that have an electric parking brake. A faulty switch can prevent the parking brake from engaging or disengaging properly, leading to parking brake failure. A broken or malfunctioning switch can prevent the parking brake from being released, causing the vehicle to drag or overheat. A faulty switch can also prevent the parking brake from engaging, leaving your Land Rover vulnerable to rolling when parked.
Visit Vaughan Automotive Mechanic for Land Rover Safety
If you are a Land Rover owner, you understand 
how important it is to keep your SUV in excellent condition. Regular maintenance and repairs are essential to ensure that your vehicle performs optimally and is safe for you and your passengers.
At Vaughan Automotive Mechanic, we are dedicated to providing the best possible service to our customers, including Land Rover owners that live in Buckhead, Mableton, Marietta, Sandy Springs, Smyrna, Vikings, and Atlanta, GA. Visit us now to experience our quality repairs and maintenance. We look forward to earning your repeat business for your future Land Rover maintenance and service needs.