Time to overhaul the Defender Tanami brakes

**gromit** · 14th August 2025, 07:01 AM

When you own a few Land Rovers there's always something to fix/replace/repair.
I have two I'm trying to finish but now another maintenance job.....

I took the Defender Tanami for a short drive at the weekend to stir up the gearbox oil before I changed it.
It hadn't been changed for a very, very long time, no problems with gear changing but thought some new ATF wouldn't go amiss.

While rolling around under it I noticed some splashes of something on the inside of one of the front tyres, oil or brake fluid ?
Turns out the caliper is leaking !
I'm about to order seals from the UK but wondered if I should just bite the bullet & order pistons at the same time ?
I'll replace seals/pistons front & rear and will also order a master cylinder kit and flexible brake pipes as it's all 30 years old now.

Colin

**POD** · 14th August 2025, 07:20 AM

I'd be getting new pistons if you're going to be overhauling the calipers. They so rarely leak, it's likely to be pitting on the piston that has damaged the seal. (Wish it was as painless spending my own money as it just was spending yours!)

**gromit** · 14th August 2025, 02:43 PM

Originally Posted by POD

I'd be getting new pistons if you're going to be overhauling the calipers. They so rarely leak, it's likely to be pitting on the piston that has damaged the seal. (Wish it was as painless spending my own money as it just was spending yours!)

30 years on the originals is OK I guess so your probably right.....new pistons it is.
Fortunately not that expensive from the UK.

Only one is leaking but time to do all of them.

Colin

**p38arover** · 15th August 2025, 06:09 PM

Brake Caliper Piston - 46mm - STC201

Front Calliper Seal Kit, Perentie/Defender - AEU2539

Caliper Seal Kit, Metric Front 41mm - AEU1547

Why not just replace the callipers?

Defender/110 Front Lefthand Calliper - STC1262

Defender/110 Front Righthand Calliper - STC1263

**p38arover** · 15th August 2025, 06:57 PM

Does the Tanami have drums at the rear or discs?

**gromit** · 16th August 2025, 07:55 AM

Originally Posted by p38arover

Does the Tanami have drums at the rear or discs?

It's a '95 build so disc rear.
Parts from the UK are considerably cheaper, interestingly complete calipers are only slightly more expensive here.

I have other parts to order at the same time so a consignment from the UK including shipping saves typically 30% over local prices. If all the parts are in-stock delivery is often within a week.

Colin

**gromit** · 21st August 2025, 06:09 PM

Parts ordered on Monday and turn up next Monday.
A few parts had to be ordered from external suppliers in the UK but still one week turnaround from order to delivery.

I'm not sure of the brake piston OD, I checked at work and we're limited to about 45mm dia in the collet chuck on the CNC lathe. It crossed my mind to get some stainless pistons machined up......
Mind you, the standard plated ones will probably outlive me.

Colin

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