Land Rover Repair: The Brakes and the idle, vacuum leaks, vacuum leak

Question
I have a 96' Disco and the brake pedal has a lot of travel sometimes. And sometimes I have to step on the brake realy hard to get out of park. I was told by a machanic that it was probly something called a brake booster that allows for the pedal travel that needs to be replaced and a brake relay for the LR to not get stuck in park.Is this common? Also when I press the brake it sounds like air is coming out is this causing the idle maybe due to a vacuum leak?

Answer
Hi Kevin,

here are a few possible causes of your problem:

Air in the brake line - you'll have to get someone to help you bleed out the air.  One person presses the brake while the other adjusts the bleeding nipple and adds brake fluid.  Wait until all the bubbles stop.  If this does not work, you may have to bleed air out of each wheel's brake line.  You'll need a third person to watch the brake reservoir level as you bleed each caliper.

Master cylinder failure - vacuum leaks and compression loss is usually associated with this component.  Either find a rebuilt unit, buy one from a reputable wrecker (I know a few that ship), purchase one from a parts shop or go to the dealer ($$$).

Brake pedal (slave?) cylinder is failing.  This is the unit that starts the whole process for braking.  I think it also allows to disengage 'park'.  

'Locked in park' is a known problem for Range Rovers and some Disco's.  If you have a vacuum leak, you might have a problem with your cruise control or possibly the idle on your Disco.  

Take it to a brake specialist and have them test the master Cyl. for possible faults.

Best of luck,

JohnMc