So I was driving my Disco at about 55 on cruise control when the engine kicked down a gear and it felt like I was pulling a freight train. No engine error codes, normal temps, normal short/long-term fuel readings, normal O2 sensor readings, etc.

Shrugging it off I turned off the AC and cruise and kept motoring on. After about 1/4 mile I start smelling "something" and pull over. Brake pedal feel goes to crap...super heavy/squishy. Lo and behold, by the time I pull over the brakes are smoking (fronts > rears).

Call my rover tech and he's got no obvious answers. Check the pedal while the engine is off and it returns to full extension after pushing it down with my hand. After the smoke subsides I get back in and limp home...brakes working (though the pads were probably glazed) and park it.

It's a '98 with 135k miles. I'm guessing it's the brake master cylinder.

Eventually I'm planning on a complete overhaul (brake pads, rotors, calipers, lines, etc) but in the meantime, what should I replace to get it back on the road?

 

Get a new genuine LR master cylinder

 

For the sake of closure, replaced the MC. Works like a champ. Also have the other parts for a complete brake overhaul inbound...should be good for another 100k