Land Rover Repair: Brakes, rangie, trap air

Question
Sir:
When I drive my range rover 1987 the brakes will pressure up,and force the callapers to close. Pushing the brake peddle up very tight. I have heard that contamanated brake fluid would make the brake hose Swell. I don't know.?

Thank you
for your consideration.

Herb Beard

Answer
Hi Herbert,

no need to be so formal.  We are all LR owners here!  

IF you are having the calipers seize up, it could be your master cylinder that is the cause.   Usually, bad brake fluid will cause deposits in the chamber and start to rust out the pistons.  

You can always drain your fluid, flush the system and the introduce new fluid.  Bleed the system starting in the rear and then the front.

I've done alot of work on the brakes of my Disco and I find it hard to imagine that hose swelling.  The only source of pressure in the system is the master C and the brake pedal itself.  I think you can have the master C bench tested to determine if it is doing its job.  

Someone once told me that LR saved his master C by having it bled.  There is a special way to bleed the master cylinder which can trap air easily.  I don't know the method but a LR mechanic could tell you.

Lastly, how old is the brake fluid?  Should be changed every two years.  This hydraulic fluid is able to absorb moisture and that is usually the cause of most caliper failures.

Best of luck with your Rangie's brakes,

JohnMc