New Guy with questions
 

Hi, I have just got myself a brand new 1997 Disco 1 SE7 V8i Auto (US spec) With 2" lift and large tyres (and a few other bits). I've got a few questions. Please excuse if this is too elementary.

1. Brakes. They always stop the car, but the peddle has a really long travel. Is this normal?

2. Shakes. The car drives beautifully up to 60 mph. At 70 it starts to get a little shakes that seems to come from the passenger side rear wheel. Is this normal with big tyres?

3. Starting. Always roars to life from cold. When warm, it usually starts just fine as well, but sometimes requires a little idle with a bit of gas to stop it stalling. It's as if the idle speed were too slow. Any ideals?

4. Transmission. (It's an auto.). On motorway cruising, it does NOT like to downshift for hills, etc. Yes, I can easily solve this by shifting down into 3rd manually. Is this normal?

Much thanks in advance, folks. I love the car. It's a lot of fun.

1. They'll do better with a complete flush using about 2 quarts of DOT4 fluid. Some upgrade to various rotors and ceramic pads, etc.

2. Not normal if tires balanced. But there is a condition called "Death Wobble" that you should read up on, from worn suspension components (not the steering damper).

3. Roar is the viscous fan clutch full power engaged. After a short time it warms up the fluid inside and fan roar backs off. Mine pulls so much air the blades of the electric fans turn slowly even though they are not powered up. Idle Air Cntrol Valve (IACV) could stand cleaning with carb cleaner, just spray it, and clean the bore it fits into. Don't physically move the pintle, it is a 200 poition stepper motor. You can also clean the MAF sensor, BUT it costs $1400. So do this with made for MAF spray, and only when engine has sat overnight, and you have not put key in iginition. Turning ignition key warms up the sensors before a cranking attempt, and the MAF iniside heats one little spot to 350 degrees above ambient.

Full shop and owner manuals are called the RAVE, free download links below.

4. Might want to look at kick down adjustment in the RAVE.

Thanks for the info. It's much appreciated. Nothing seems like the 'death wobble'. Also, I've just repatriated the Disco from the US back into the Commonwealth, so it's had a huge number of safety inspections. Wheel balance seems like a good thing to check. Cleaning and fluids, always a good idea. I'll get on it. Help much appreciated. Got the rave.