Thread: Hello and Advice - 95 Defender 110

Originally Posted by Liam77

Hello everyone
Long time lurker here, love the forum and have gained a lot of knowledge over the past couple of years of reading since getting my defender and finding this place.

I now have an issue with the rear brake leaking fluid. It is only a slow leak but obviously a serious issue. Being the week before Christmas no-one (local mechanics) is interested in looking at it until the end of January. So my Defender is no-go for the moment. Having read up on the replacement of piston/seals I wanted to get all of your thoughts on replacing piston/seals vs new callipers. Has anyone done either and which would you recommend?
Cheers!

Welcome Liam77

Some photos of the offending leak may help the brains trust.

Cheers - Simon

Thanks Simon, I'll get the wheel off in the next day or two and get some pics. Cheers

The OEM pistons often loose their chrome plating and pit. They leak if you push them back in when you replace the pads.
Recently I upgraded to after market stainless steel pistons. Changing the seals is easy. Be careful with the wiper seal as the metal retainer distorts if you dont push it square

Hi Liam
Although working on the brakes should really only be attempted with some knowledge...

Your rear single pot calipers are a very simple animal and easy to overhaul.

First up I’d check that it is indeed a piston leak... take some photos after cleaning... then maybe check with your local parts supplier - you’ll need four pistons and four sea kits. As long as you don’t split the caliper there is rarely an issue with them and plonking new pistons and seals will fix a leaky pot. As mentioned the chromed pistons do get flakey - only you can decide if the $ upgrade to stainless is worthwhile. Also local availability could be a problem.

One other possibility for repair if you are not confident is to take the two calipers off ( one hydraulic union and two bolts) and take them loose too a brake shop- they may be able to do a quick change over for you as opposed to fitting in another “vehicle” before Christmas ????