In addition to misfires, loose steering, and barely effective brakes, I now have the three amigos on my 03' Disco. Should I attempt to fix this on my own or would my time and money be better served in taking it to a repair shop?

 

It depends on what the codes are. You can get an obdII reader for $125 or so to get the codes, so you can see what needs to be done. The shop will charge you $80 just to read the codes.

If the suttle valve is bad, they will not want to rebuild the ABS Pump, because they need to warranty their work, and the best way to do that is to install a new pump which is a grand, plus you will pay for them to bleed the brakes, and do rotors etc. if they are worn out. I rebuilt the pump, and it is not what I would call easy, but with the falconwerks seals, new shuttle valve, and a bit of rewiring, it has worked like a charm for a few hours of work and probably $300 in parts and fluids. Could be cheaper.

Bleeding the brakes is a pain, but doing rotors and pads is not difficult, aside from rusted parts that need to be worked around.

That said, if you get the codes, most of the time the forums will walk you through it. But that depends on the codes.

The loose steering is interesting, but you can at least inspect the intermediate shaft, and diagnose the system with a google search.

You could be better off with a shop if you don't have the time, and tools to do the work yourself. That is no guarantee however.

 

As collierover said, you have to get the codes read.

That means connecting a device to the OBD IO port that can read which antilock braking system codes are triggering the lights. IIRC there are fourteen different codes that can trigger the three amigos. Could be a wheel speed sensor or, commonly, the shuttle valve switch electrical failure code. For many people that has been a three dollar repair you can do in your driveway in about an hour.


Search for "Option B" in this forum or in the document linked below.


ABS Mod - LAND ROVER CLUB V.I.

 

As someone who has worked in automotive repair shops for about 15 years you will have a hard time finding one willing to do any of the DIY fixes for the 3 amigos. They will usually just want to sell you new or rebuilt parts to fix the problem. But also speaking as someone with a decent amount of automotive experience I would get it running correctly before you deal with the 3 amigos. If you cant drive it there is no point to fixing an issue with the ABS system. Also since you said the brakes don't work well and the engine is running poor it sounds like you have a large vacuum leak. It might be worth it to have a local shop properly smoke test it. Or yourself go over all of the vacuum hoses and fittings looking for leaks.

 

Alex J makes great points.

My reply focused solely on the title of the thread, but as Alex noted the three amigos are the least of your worries right now. You can drive indefinitely without the ABS system working. That's what everyone did for the decades before ABS was invented. Sure, having ABS and traction control is better than not happy but getting your truck running so it will go and get the basic brakes working so it will stop is more important.

 

Alex j is right. I have been fighting a wheel speed sensor issue for years, annoying, but truck runs great.

When you have the codes you can really prioritize what to do.