the abs brakes on my 99 disco 2 are really soft. it's almost like the car doesn't want to stop. is this normal???

 

Is it the ABS or your brake pedal that is soft? Have you changed your brake fluid lately, should be flushed at least every two years. How about your pads and rotors, what shape are they in, has this just started, how many miles on your truck?
Mike

 

rover has 89k, just had abs serviced, dealer drove it for 80 miles, never mentioning there was a problem. this is my 1st rover. is this a normal abs feeling? fluid and other stuff i all good!

 

So I am still trying to figure out what is soft? If I had to guess, it is your brakes, not you ABS, and no it is not normal. Is your ABS light on?
I would still suppect you have air in your brakes or you have a major brake fluid leak. Is your brake fluid crystal clear or brown? Cam you pump the brake pedal up and get it firm? If you can, it is possible you have a master cylinder failing.
Mike

 

Let me guess, second pump of the pedal is firm?

Normal.

 

If he is talking about all stopping times, it is not normal. Granted, first stop or two when first started can be interesting but after that, I would say he has a problem, like old fluid, air in the lines, or even a master cylinder.
Mike

 

I'd be interested in this solution. My brakes have always been soft - meaning they go down further than you might like and they don't feel rock hard. I've replaced the master cylinder, bled them to death, and even got stainless steel "speed bleeders" on them all. Another LR pro told me they would never get better and to live with it. I don't feel all that safe living with it.

 

Yes, they are softer then some vehicles, how often do you bleed them, might consider using a synhetic brake fluid and also replace your old rubber brake hoses with new stainless steel lines, this will give you a better pedal.
Mike

 

I've been a little afraid of the synthetic brake fluid. Have you ever heard that the seals will deteriorate quicker ? How about mixing synth with non-synth ? I mean is it necessary to flush the system completely before changing over to synthetic ?
Thanks,

 

The one big plus regarding synthetic brake fluid is it will handle alot more heat without fading which causes brake pedal softness.
I have been running this fluid for 4 years with no problems.
As for changing fluid, be it as a part of maintance or changing types, you should flush out all the old fluid, usually around 3 pints, otherwise you will still have old burned fluid still causing you grief.
If nothing else, consider changing out your brake lines. Old Rover brake line are rubber and they swell and stretch with age giving your brake pedal pressure a place to dissapate.
Mike