I suspect the rear calipers on our SC are the original TRW set.

No sign of any problems with them but my recent caking of grease around the rear arches (corrosion prevention) and the associated smell of hot weather grease coming from warm rear arches, plus the recent AF Brembo disc/pad set offer and a comment from CTC reference failing calipers destroying discs and pads has got me wondering whether to just buy new rear calipers at the same time as buying the rear Brembo disc/pad set.

Unless the rear calipers are serviceable items in themselves although I also recall ebajema saying the rear calipers are cheap anyway?

ps... What sort of mileage/ how many years might you expect to get from a set of Brembo (other quality branded) Discs, on the assumption that the calipers are kept in good order and brake pads replaced at appropriate times?

Any advice appreciated thanks.

Mine rears were originals and I replaced them at 170k, probably 10k tool late. The offside was sticking badly for some time although I did not realise it. I replaced them with all the bolts, clips and flexible hoses on both sides and all is now much better. 2014 5.0 Supercharged Autobiography & 2015 3.0SDV6 HSE Lux Discovery 4
2005 4.2 Supercharged Vogue SE & 2011 3.0SDV6 HSE Discovery 4
2002 4.4 Vogue
2000 4.6 Vogue
2011 Discovery 4 3.0 HSE
2015 Discovery 4 HSE Lux
2010 Freelander 2 TD4 HSE
2009 Freelander 2 TD4.e 2009
1992 Mercedes 300D
1986 Renault 2.1 Turbo D
1976 Morris Marina 1.8

On my previous Td6 - with TRW calipers - the ROS stuck at 6yrs / 80k ish.
On my current AJV8 - with TRW calipers - the rear stuck at 8yrs / 80k ish.

In both cases, a local garage has freed them off with no further problems.
I've bought a full set of calipers for my car from a breaker. I've had them blasted and have painted them myself with VHT products. I was considering the same as you, but thought I may be able to do a better job myself.

On reflection, my current car which I bought just over a year ago had a very superficial coat of gloss black on all the calipers and have always annoyed me ever since in terms of appearance !

I imagine it is only a matter of time before you may have problems as many cars with these particular calipers do. If I were going to the trouble of new discs & pads, I'd consider renewing the calipers also -

 Where do you go after one of these . . . ?

Thanks for the replies.

@TugRR - Would you renew with TRW calipers (on the presumption that they only become problematic at a period of life which our ownership of this car will never see) or do you know if there is a favoured different brand for the L322/ 4.2SC (I've heard the cost of rear Brembo calipers for example is not necessary)?

Thanks in advance

I think it's possible calipers seize because the brake pads seize first due to corrosion. The pistons then seize because of lack of any movement.
To avoid the caliper pistons seizing I tend to remove the pads each year, clean out all the general crud that collects and then operate the pistons a few times by carefully pumping them out and retracting them with a G clamp. Then lubricate the edges and rear of each pad and refit. I can't fully guarantee this will always work on a RR but I've never had to replace a brake caliper on any car up to now.

Both have been done on mine. Nearside rear in March this year at 71k and the offside at 59k in December 2012.

Cheap at around £60 + VAT for an exchange caliper from memory.

cheers Alex

2018 Skoda Kodiaq vRS
2009 Caterham Supersport Race car
2007 M5 Touring
2005 Range Rover Vogue SE Supercharged
2004 SL55 AMG

^^ My replacement refurbished calipers are identical TRW to the original - I'm certainly not qualified to recommend an alternative !
^ I'm all for the preventative maintenance approach, but it does appear this particular brand of (rear) caliper is susceptible to seizure - I can't remember reading on here of cars pre '06 MY with such a problem ?

 Where do you go after one of these . . . ?

I needed new discs and pads, so replaced the rear calipers anyway.

As said above, we're something like £60 exchange, so at 95k miles, seemed like the right thing to do based on reports from others

Thanks, did you exchange for TRW calipers and where do you exchange them please?