Agreed.

I would look at tackling the brakes yourself. You've assisted someone else doing it, it will all come flooding back. Get those parts, as suggested by Rickety from AZ. Take a weekend, do it slow, do it right, experience the amazing feeling of having done it. (the only tricky bit will be bleeding the system, as you are swapping calipers.)

Then look at what's next. Springs are tricky, no matter what people say here. And the risk to health is there, if you're not confident. For me, getting the vehicle high enough was the main pain. And admit I didn't do it in the safest way.

Fixing the brakes may fix the ABS issue.

When you have confidence of taking wheels on/off, jacks, brakes, rotors etc, the track rod arm (was it that?) will be an easier proposition.

I'd suggest this route because learning to spin the simple wrenches will remind you what you love about Bertha. And literally save you 1000's.

 

Just an update I called a mechanic I had met years ago to see if he was still around, and he is. He, like us, agreed that many local shops inflate the price of parts to make some extra scratch, recognized that I was in a pinch and said he would be happy to help me out. We worked out a price and he will be working on the Rover when he returns from his Florida vacation after the weekend.

Thru a local supplier I was able to obtain the parts I need (rear rotors, calipers on both sides, plus pads and tie rods) for $238. I'm on a mission to find a set of rear coil springs now at a reasonable price. I feel like a new woman knowing that my Rover will be in good hands and I'll be back on the road Monday. Thanks all for talking me off the ledge. I realize that I need to learn more about changing my brakes, etc. but seeing as he has a lift and is doing the coil springs and tie rods as well, I figured I'd get it all done in one shot. Thanks again for helping a girl out

 

Thought you may like a photo of my snazzy ride for the next few days... fun times

 

Nice.

Well done working through a plan. Getting your own bits cheaper is the first stage to fitting them yourself. Any chance the mechanic wants a helper for the day?

So, you have a connection with Cornwall? I'm a lad from Cumbria.

 

Very nice. I'd put uhaul vinyl on my rover if they'd keep it going for me.

Way to work it out!

 

Thanks cappedup! Ahhhh.. you're from the lovely Lake District What a beautiful area to call home. I've been to your neck of the woods once, took a ferry ride on Lake Windermere and was supposed to take a ride on a steam locomotive there but there was a malfunction of some sort that day. Beautiful area, I'd love to visit it again.

And yes.. Cornwall! That magical place with the rugged cliffs and coastal walks, colorful fishing boats and transplanted palm trees My husband is from South London, and seeing as I'm not much of a city girl, we typically escape to Cornwall when we travel over to the UK. I like the city ok, for a day or so, to visit with family, but after that I'm ready for fresh Cornish air, a good seaside cottage where I can spy on ships traveling the English Channel, listen to the crashing waves and circling gulls. One of those little bastards actually stole a pasty out of my friend's hands when we were having a picnic on the beach

As for the mechanic.. hmm... don't know how he'd feel about me sitting there watching his every move throughout the day. I don't know him that well

 

I'm sure he will dig it

labor

$45 per hour
$55 if you looked at it
$65 if you touched it
$75 if you watch
$100 if you offer advice

 

Oh I like to give advice.....

 

I understand that it can be daunting and overwhelming. However, if you handle one thing at a time, mechanical work can be rewarding even outside how much you will save in dollars. This is doubly true if you have a space like a garage or carport to work in. (Some of us actually have to do this stuff with our backs in the dirt/gravel.)

A nice rolling jack and jack stands, along with basic hand tools will get most jobs done. Take it slow and easy, follow the manual, shop online for parts, and then add up how much you save. I think you can do it.

 

I packed in my Discovery II.

But I still miss it.