D2 SPONGY BRAKES

[discoverybob]

I have just replaced the disc rotors and pads with new drilled and slotted rotors and fitted Bendix 4WD pads, and after doing a conventional brake bleed my disco has very spongy brakes and doesn`t get a hard pedal but stops very well. Does my ABS system need to be bled(?) as well? No ABS light on dash as it goes out as it should. Any advise to cure this problem is welcome,:confused:

[DiscoKym]

I suggest bleeding them again using the electronics - Nanocom etc.

Goes in two stages, ABS unit then wheels.

Good videos on youtube showing it..

[trog]

is the cap on tight on the reservoir ? if loose i have found mine were a bit spongy as well

[northiam]

If you dont have a nanocom you can run the abs pump by linking a switch across the abs pump relay.
Whilst running the pump at 10sec pulses and bleeding.
I also pressed and released brake pedal while bleeding calipers pulsing abs pump.
Pedal is harder than ever:)

[onebob]

Ahhhhhh!.... the D2 spongey pedal, some call it the "chauffuer pedal" and that LR designed it into the Disco ;)

My D2 has done nearly 300K and whilst browsing my newly acquired HAINES D2 Workshop Manual i noticed in the service interval pages that the flexible brake lines must be replaced at 160k (from memory - i might not be exactly right) and recently having had a 2 inch lift done i thought what better excuse do i need to invest in extended 'braided' brake lines. And fyi you could actually feel a "pulse" when holding the floppy old lines when at the same time an assistant pushed on the brake pedal (or are they expanding? either way not good...?). Anyway I purchased and fitted four GOODRICH Braided Brake lines and bled the brakes via pulsing the ABS pump as northiam explained and the pedal IS better than ever. As good as it is though! there are 2 remaining "original" flexible rubber brake lines that I'd like to renew and they can be viewed in the LHS wheel well on the chassis and i will soon get some braided lines made up to replace these and as a result are expecting a still firmer pedal!

onebob

[Roverlord off road spares]

I have firmed up spongy brake pedals by doing a power bleed of the modulator. I've had to customers comment how much better the brake pedal felt after.

[Pippin]

What is the correct process to follow when doing a power bleed using a diagnostic tool?

[Roverlord off road spares]

What is the correct process to follow when doing a power bleed using a diagnostic tool?
Nanocom and Hawkeye has instruction prompts.
It asks you to press and hold your foot on the brake pedal and then proceeds to the modulator bleed process.

[Pippin]

Thanks Rover Lord,
Yep, I have already been through that process with my Hawkeye. When you do the Modulator bleed process do you have the bleed valves of all callipers open?

[Roverlord off road spares]

Thanks Rover Lord,
Yep, I have already been through that process with my Hawkeye. When you do the Modulator bleed process do you have the bleed valves of all callipers open?
No open bleeders , it is bleeding the modulator not bleeding the brakes

[discoverybob]

Thanks for all the advise. I will have another go at bleeding the brake system.

[Pippin]

OK thanks Roverlord, it appears I have already done the process correctly.

[PhilipA]

I don't know whether it helps anything but I exercise my ABS pump and system by using the HDC on a nearby steep hill every month or so. I use the same philosophy as with aircon that the system has to be exercised or the seals may deteriorate.

My pedal is fine after over a year but funnily enough gets even better when I do a "crash avoidance stop" and stays that way for quite a while.

I did a fluid flush about 14 months ago consisting of a Nanocam test then a pressure bleed.
Regards Philip A

[Geoffrey.W]

Interested in finding out more about powering up the ABS without a diognostic tool. Can someone explain just how to do it.
Geoffro

[onebob]

Interested in finding out more about powering up the ABS without a diognostic tool. Can someone explain just how to do it.
Geoffro

Remove the ABS relay (you will find it in the engine bay fuse box rearward of the battery) and bridge the 2 larger spade sockets and the ABS pump runs. I bleed my brakes using this method.

onebob

[Epic_Dragon]

really need to get myself a nancom thing LOL, mine are spongy and have been since changed all bads, car does still stop! but as have no nancom, unable to do the modulator bleed process LOL good to know the cause now thanks :)