Brake suggestions
#1
Brake suggestions
Hello all,
2000 Disco II, 117k. New brake pads. Stainless lines. Bled as well as possible in the driveway.
I generally drive my Disco like I am trying to lose a race with a bunch of grandmothers. However things happen and I occasionally tow a medium weight trailer (2000 pounds or so loaded) and even less often a heavy trailer (close to 5000 pounds) my brakes are not up to the task. They weren't up to the task when I bought it with 4 miles on it, either.
Yesterday, an idiot in a crown vic pulled out in front of me like I wasn't there and I should have been able to stop. I ended up having to drive around them with my brake pedal to the floor.
I understand that lr has a setup to give you the best possible bleed (brake fluid and money) but the dealership is a long way away and, frankly, I don't like my dealerships here. Can anyone give me other tips on increasing my braking? Will a new booster make a difference? Is there any brake system swap that would work? I've Googled it and I am coming up with not much, other than possible slotted rotors and better pads. I have the medium priced pads now.
Best,
CHARLIE V
2000 Disco II, 117k. New brake pads. Stainless lines. Bled as well as possible in the driveway.
I generally drive my Disco like I am trying to lose a race with a bunch of grandmothers. However things happen and I occasionally tow a medium weight trailer (2000 pounds or so loaded) and even less often a heavy trailer (close to 5000 pounds) my brakes are not up to the task. They weren't up to the task when I bought it with 4 miles on it, either.
Yesterday, an idiot in a crown vic pulled out in front of me like I wasn't there and I should have been able to stop. I ended up having to drive around them with my brake pedal to the floor.
I understand that lr has a setup to give you the best possible bleed (brake fluid and money) but the dealership is a long way away and, frankly, I don't like my dealerships here. Can anyone give me other tips on increasing my braking? Will a new booster make a difference? Is there any brake system swap that would work? I've Googled it and I am coming up with not much, other than possible slotted rotors and better pads. I have the medium priced pads now.
Best,
CHARLIE V
#2
#4
I think you have a bubble. My bone stock brake set-up responds better than you're describing. In other posts, I rember DiscoMike saying something about a full 3 qt flush is required to get all the old fluid out. Then I'd get your BB tested. I wouldn't look at upgrading things until you ID the culpret.
#5
Whoa, I replaced FOUR brake lines, not 6. Are the other two going to the booster? I'll need to check that out.
I should add a bit of info... I live near a busy street and my quiet street intersects the busy one at a blind turn. The upshot is that I often let off my brakes, see someone coming, and have to stomp them pretty quick to keep from being hit. Sometimes, when I let off the brakes then push them again, I get almost NO BRAKE. That is the opposite of what I have seen described elsewhere (second push gives you more brake). A mechanic who works for us (but on 18 wheelers, so no real help with Discos... he ruined my rear main seal using a quart paint can to knock it into place.. now I have to pull the engine again to fix the leak) said it is probably the booster not recovering fast enough. Does that enlighten anything? I have never done anything with a brake booster so I have no idea but I am always eager to learn.
Best,
Charlie V
I should add a bit of info... I live near a busy street and my quiet street intersects the busy one at a blind turn. The upshot is that I often let off my brakes, see someone coming, and have to stomp them pretty quick to keep from being hit. Sometimes, when I let off the brakes then push them again, I get almost NO BRAKE. That is the opposite of what I have seen described elsewhere (second push gives you more brake). A mechanic who works for us (but on 18 wheelers, so no real help with Discos... he ruined my rear main seal using a quart paint can to knock it into place.. now I have to pull the engine again to fix the leak) said it is probably the booster not recovering fast enough. Does that enlighten anything? I have never done anything with a brake booster so I have no idea but I am always eager to learn.
Best,
Charlie V
#6
I don't recall the brand even though they are only three months old. I just went to the auto parts store and asked for something other than the cheapest. I think front and back were about $120 dollars.
I did the bleed with the help of someone else (him on the bleeders and me on the pedals)... maybe I should put him in the driver's seat. I also started using a vacuum pump, but ended using a wrench on the bleeder (so the vacuum pump didn't do much other than speed the process).
#9
#10
I have an extra Goodrich kit (4 SS lines), and they have the fittings, but I imagine looping them (they are +2 length for the 4 piece kit) would mean I would NEVER, EVER, get air bubbles out. UGH UGH UGH.
I'm going to look for the short lines.
Mike, I think I still have your number in Colorado... I'll give you a call this evening.