Land Rover Repair: Disco 1 Brakes too soft & possible ABS fault, brake pads and rotors, caliper pistons

Question
I have a discovery 1 with braking issues. It has jsut started that when you hit the brakes the pedal travels really far when you hit the brakes but, if you let up and hit them again, the travel is normal and the car stops normal. Even with the with the long pedal travel the car still has stops it just has a lot of travel.I thought that bleeding them might help so while I was at it I exchaned the fluid. Is there a special way to bleed them, I started with the wheel farthest from the antilock box and worked my way around. Could this be a master cylender? The antilock light is randomly coming on but even when it is on the antilocks still work. The other problem is that they work when they shouldn't. Any advice you can give would be wonderful. Thanks so much
Patrick

Answer
Hi Patrick,

could be the Master C. Replacing the fluid and bleeding the line might help if there is air in the lines.  Another problem could be that the pads or rotor disc are worn down too low.

I'd start by checking the brake pads and rotors.  Make sure they are not worn too low.  If in doubt, go to a local brake shop and ask them for a free inspection.  They'll let you know if they need replacement or if the rotors need to be turned.

As you inspect the pads and rotors, look at the calipers to see if there are any leaks. It's possible that the caliper pistons could be old and perhaps some corrosion is there.  It's also possible that the piston rings are letting air be sucked in.  It can happen with age.

As for bleeding, there is a technique and you have it right.  You look for the longest brake line and do that first, followed by the 2nd longest then the 3rd and then the shortest.  From you description, you seem to have it right.

If after bleeding the brakes and you still have too much movement, much like you have described, it is probably your Master C that is at fault.  Check for any leaks around the MC and the ABS modulator.

As for the ABS kicking in when it should not...that's obviously not normal.  Could be sensor related; could be as a result of a pressure leak in the lines; hard to say.  I've seen problems with vibrations and the steering damper that made my '95 Disco feel like the ABS was kicking in...turned out to be the shocks needed replacement and that steering damper had finally taken all that it could.  I solved my problem by replacing the shocks and damper.

I've used Raybestos pads and rotors on my Disco.  They did the job well and were priced right.  You can also use AC Delco pads and rotors and will find they priced far below LR parts.

Hope this helps.

Regards,

JohnMc