Need more braking power.

[Viper]

I am not sure if this is normal, When I normally hit the brakes the brake is high up and the car slows down. But if I pump the brakes ones and hit it feels as I have much more stopping power. At first I thought it had air in the brake fluid system so I flushed the entire system, but that didn’t help solve my issue. Please advice

 

[joey]

It is more than likely the ABS modulator. I have heard that this can cause this type issue, it may also be the type of brake pads you are using.

More details.... Last brake job? Dealer or self? Stock parts or upgrades?

 

[NHESS81]

Does it actually not brake safely, or does it just FEEL like its not? The brake FEEL on my Disco at least it makes you seem like whoa this thing aint gonna slow down, but it always stops fine. The pedal is just not as strong feeling as say, any other cars pedal is, but it will stop. Now the ABS is a pain for sure--I can just apply normal pressure but if there are say decayed leaves or some moisture on one side of the truck the ABS blat blat blats away like I am on ice about to run into a hill....not very safe....but either way, give us some more details, see if we cant figure out your issue VIP...

 

[Viper]

I think it is just a feeling of the break, you are right it is very deferent from a normal SUV, It feels very heavy. But my question is why dose it feel normal once I pump the brakes? Please let me know if this is normal two.
Thanks guys...

 

[jmc]

Same problem... oh yeah did I mention the brakes failed

Not to piggyback on another's request for help, but I'm having a similar problem with my Disco 2003 (38,000 miles). This is my second rover (1987 range rover classic) and I've had it for about a month, purchased from the dealer. Last week the brakes failed; abs light, tc light and HD light and oh yeah, did I mention the brakes stoped working?

I had it brought to the dealer and they bled the break system (3x) and replaced a shuttle valve. 33 miles later the brakes started to fail again (no lights this time, just the pedal going lower and lower). Again back to the dealer; this time they replaced the master cylinder, ABS modulator and again bled the brakes.

Now I have a similar problem to viper: brake pedal goes almost to the floor, but after pumping seems more solid/ pedal higher. The car still stops, and maybe I'm being paranoid... after almost getting killed in the D@mn thing. However, after being sent off with bad brakes the first time I have zero faith in the dealer. Also I don't trust my own instincts on the subject anymore as I know I'm still kind a little freaked out about the whole thing (the first failure occured at 70 miles on hour on I-95, in traffic).

I could sure use a second (or third, or fourth..) opinion and would appreciate the insight of the group.

btw: beware the "certified pre-owned" sticker ;-)

 

[NHESS81]

How about master cylinder going bad on your guys' brakes? Bleed the system and refill with fluid, you might have debris or air pockets that just keep coming back. Are all the lines secure, not dripping anywhere? Seems odd though, everything you two have done is what I would suggest, and it doesnt seem to be helping--with ABS, if you pump the brakes the pedal will get stiffer and stiffer that much I do know, but I would not suggest doin that all the time....I dont trust myself with brakes, so I am not very knowledgable I have others take care of it--but, you should trust your instincts, if you THINK something might be wrong, it likely IS wrong...see what an expert has to say and let us know too

 

[jmc]

How about master cylinder going bad on your guys' brakes? Bleed the system and refill with fluid, you might have debris or air pockets that just keep coming back. Are all the lines secure, not dripping anywhere? Seems odd though, everything you two have done is what I would suggest, and it doesnt seem to be helping--with ABS, if you pump the brakes the pedal will get stiffer and stiffer that much I do know, but I would not suggest doin that all the time....I dont trust myself with brakes, so I am not very knowledgable I have others take care of it--but, you should trust your instincts, if you THINK something might be wrong, it likely IS wrong...see what an expert has to say and let us know too

I know this is corny, but thank you for your post. I was having such a hard time believing that a land rover dealership could be so incompetent that I was taking chances with a very serious issue...

so....

hi **, hi ** back to the dealership I go.

Took it in Friday; I'll post the outcome with the hopes I can return the favor and help somebody else out. kind of funny I had less trouble with my 87

 

[Muddyone]

On my disco 99 i have the exact same thing, one pump and the pedal feels much more firm, i usually do it just when im coming off the highway. ive not had any problems, but am just upgrading my brakes to ebc 7000 pads and vented and dimpled rotors. Should feel a bit of a difference once they are installed

 

[jmc]

The never ending saga of the brakes failing...

So a week later I get the Disco back from the dealer. This time they replaced the ABS relay, and again assured me everything was ok. The next day the pedal goes to the floor and the car barely stops at the whopping speed of about two miles an hour getting into a parking space.

tb continued

 

[jmc]

... one pump and the pedal feels much more firm, i usually do it just when im coming off the highway.

I'm not a mechanic, just a driveway wrench, but I'm becoming something a an expert on Disco brakes. My two cents, and the experience my research into the subject has given me suggests that you have an issue with your brakes. Although the factory brakes are a little underpowered to stop such a heavy vehicle, I have been told (3 different Disco Mechs) & my experience (multiple brake failure) that having to pump the brakes indicates a problem with the system. I think a brake upgrade is probable a good idea for any Disco owner (and I'd like to hear the pros/cons of the ebc 7000, i.e stopping power, sqeak factor, etc.) , but please check out the rest of the system too as it may be in the process of failing.

I don't want to be a nudge, or a "back seat" mechanic, but I'd hate for you to be taking that off ramp from the highway when the brakes go. NHESS8's post pushed me back to the dealer, which was fortitous as the brakes started to fry on the way there (still sort of worked, but pedal to the floor and pulling hard to the left side).

Trust me, not only is it scary as h@ll but its so surreal that it kind of makes you feel like you're in a B movie and the bad guys just cut your brake lines ;-)

Anyway, my two cents for what its worth.