QuestionJohn,
First, thanks – this is the most useful site I’ve run across and I have a feeling that it’s going to be very informative.
I’m no mechanic and I currently live in Haiti – if you don’t already know what that means, picture unmarked abyss-sized potholes on many roads, few traffic rules, long and frequent 12%+ hill grades, horrible traffic, and innumerable obstacles ranging from flooded corners to darting farm animals. Plus, it’s hot here…very, very hot and humid. As far as reliable mechanics…well, let’s not talk about that except to say that is never a given and everyone I know continues to search for one. Ix-nay the one dealership, too.
I bought a 1999 Discovery Series I (I think – the brake lights are down low and it's possibly a Series II) last December from someone leaving the country (~110k on the odometer). No repair papers. The fourth time I drove it, the brakes failed at the bottom of a very long and steep grade. “Failed” as in no pedal, no emergency brake. After rolling at night (no street lights) another ¾ mile or so through three or four carrefours, I was incredibly lucky that it eventually rolled to a stop between two smaller hills and didn’t harm anyone.
Someone put a junkyard-salvaged master brake cylinder in sometime previous and my brakes failed when the fluid dumped.
Five months later, I have yet to have it repaired because 1) I don’t know who to trust to put in reliable parts since I don’t know a brake caliper from a fuel injector, 2) because I have no idea what else might be wrong with the vehicle and which other sub-par parts might be lurking around and waiting to send me off a cliff. But the time has come for me to have someone work on my vehicle and I will have to take my chances.
Do you have any advice for a neophyte about how to ensure I’m not driving a deathtrap (maybe something like “Emergency Land Rover Guide for Rough Places”) and what the most important thing I can do for myself might be to ensure that quality work has been done on my brakes? What are the most basic things that I should ask a mechanic to check for in terms of both safety and smooth functioning?
Plus…“STRONGLY RECCOMMEND” having air bags serviced after ten years? What, please tell me, does that entail and can I do it myself?
Many, many thanks for any guidance you can provide. I really miss driving.
AnswerI really don't know how to advise you on finding a mechanic or how to care for your car. Much of the knowledge is general; some is specific to Land Rovers. If you don't have capable LR mechanics in the country my best advice would be to get a vehicle they can handle, whatever that may be.
The first step would be to buy the workshop manual which is available on CD for your rig - it's called RAVE and can be bought online. Get the manual and read every procedure so you understand it before beginning. Even better, find a mechanic who believes in reading too.
There are some articles on my website that may be of help. Go to www.robisonservice.com > service > rover > advice
Best of luck to you.
John Elder Robison
Also check my car blog at http://robisonservice.blogspot.com
