Skip to content

Brakes

Land Rover Brake Drums

Transmission handbrake drums for classic Defender and early Discovery, plus parking brake drums.

WhatsApp your VIN
  • Fitment checked against your VIN
  • Couriered nationwide
  • Supplied from Durban North
Illustrative photo of brake drums
Illustrative photo.

Find your model

Brakes by Land Rover model

Where a model has a known fault in this system, it is flagged below. Each model page explains what is specific to that generation.

Defender

2 models

Discovery

5 models

Range Rover

9 models

Freelander

2 models

Know the part

Understanding Brake Drums

On most modern Land Rovers the service brakes are discs all round, so brake drums are mainly found in the parking brake. Classic Defenders and Discovery 1 and 2 use a transmission handbrake: a drum mounted on the rear output of the transfer case, with shoes inside it, which holds the propshaft rather than the wheels.

On Discovery 3, Discovery 4 and the first Range Rover Sport, the parking brake shoes work inside a drum section in the centre of the rear discs. Some older classic models also used rear drum brakes for the service brakes.

Further reading

Questions

Common Questions About Land Rover brake drums

Why does my Defender handbrake not hold?

The transmission handbrake needs regular adjustment, and it stops working well if the shoes are worn or contaminated with oil from a leaking transfer case rear output seal. Fix any oil leak first, then fit new shoes and adjust. A glazed or scored drum should be replaced.

Is it dangerous to use the transmission handbrake while moving?

Yes. Applying it while moving puts a large load through the propshaft and drivetrain and can damage components. It is designed as a parking brake only.

What should I replace with a transmission handbrake drum?

Fit new shoes, check the adjuster and expander mechanism, and replace the transfer case rear output seal if there is any sign of oil.

How do I get the right drum for my Land Rover?

Send the chassis number or VIN. Drum sizes and fittings differ between Defender, Discovery and Range Rover Classic applications and across production years.

Not sure which part fits?

Send your VIN or engine code and the SparesBoyz parts team will check fitment before quoting. Parts are couriered nationwide.

Call 031 943 9999