Arrgghhh D3 Problems Again!

[Ralph1Malph]

Hi all,
After spending close to $7000 in the last few months to replace the HPFP and lower control arms and rotors, I have now developed the dreaded EPB screech!

I have yet to bond with this car and it is making it hard to do so.

Anyways, a quick search revealed that it's possible to remove and clean the actuator. I get the impression that it's not a DIY option but is it generally successful or more of a 'try it and see before we replace it' kind of deal?

This car had best give years of good service in the future!

Ralph

[Drizzle]

You need Bodsys' Brake Bible that will guide you how to clean and adjust the EPB. I feel your pain...

http://www.disco3.co.uk/wiki/Bodsys'_Brake_Bible_-_The_complete_Brake_replacement_guide

[Tombie]

It's DIY if you have a Gap IID to manipulate the EPB

[Disco-tastic]

Just dont use it again until you have it adjusted. Once jammed they can be a real PITA to unjam.

Im also pretty sure you can unwind it manually, without the need for a diagnostic tool. Just takes longer.

The hardest part is getting the sealed cover off, as its siliconed on, and feels like its going to snap in half when you put a lot of force on it. But i managed it, with a couple of small pry bars, while it was still on the car.

Oh and don't use the brake again until its adjusted in case it jams. Its a real PITA. I may have said that already [emoji14]

[Ralph1Malph]

Cheers,
Knowing that I can do it myself is of comfort!
I had a scan of Bodsy's Brake Bible yesty...seems I was on the right path :D

It'll just have to wait until I get around to it!

Ralph

[Narangga]

Sorry to hear that you are still having troubles mate. Spending cash on unexpected repairs is always hard to take.

However like any relationship - learning each other's idiosyncrasies is always part of the journey and aids a strong loving relationship in the long term. :D :angel:

[Oztourer]

I know your pain. I did lower control arms not long after taking ownership but then blew the motor!! After that I also replaced my EPB as it had the dreaded squeal. I got away with brake adjustments for a while but I ended up biting the bullet (again!!) and replaced it. I now have peace of mind knowing I have a fully functioning park brake when off road. I could have cut my losses and run but I look at it as an investment in an outdoor lifestyle and the future. Everything I fix now is something I know will not fail on me in the future. Fortunately I have bonded with my Disco and I think they are a great piece of machinery. I hope you get there one day. Hang in there (if you can)!!

Back to EPB's, I pulled my old one apart after I put the new one in (which now runs faultlessly). I admit that I haven't had a good look at it but when I finally got it open (which wasn't particularly easy as they are so well sealed), I couldn't see anything obviously warn/broken. If I did ever manage to overhaul/fix it, knowing how well it was sealed in the first place, I would be concerned with being able to get it re-sealed again fully. There are a few threads on the Disco3 UK site that go over the refurb of the EPB. I have also seen new EPB's on EBay that you can buy from the UK and get shipped for a few hundred dollars cheaper than you get them direct from LR.

[PerthDisco]

Likewise when mine squealed I was being coached into getting a new unit. I made them fully clean and adjust and reset it. The first time it played up again. I made them reset again to BBB instructions and they got the senior guy to do it. He did his own technique which was close and it worked perfectly again after that and has done so since. I have since done it myself when changing back discs and it is easy to do. You don't need to use the torque wrench on the hub when setting just approximate the resistance. I also did the bedding in process in the local footy Oval carpark which I am sure never gets done at the dealer. Made a massive difference to the feel of the brake.

[Narangga]

Likewise when mine squealed I was being coached into getting a new unit. I made them fully clean and adjust and reset it. The first time it played up again. I made them reset again to BBB instructions and they got the senior guy to do it. He did his own technique which was close and it worked perfectly again after that and has done so since. I have since done it myself when changing back discs and it is easy to do. You don't need to use the torque wrench on the hub when setting just approximate the resistance. I also did the bedding in process in the local footy Oval carpark which I am sure never gets done at the dealer. Made a massive difference to the feel of the brake.

I should have mentioned that ours started squealing - but only when the wife was driving. :mad:

Eventually I heard it when it happened when she parked. My mechanic had a go at it and I was about to pick it up and he said it was still doing it occasionally so he wanted some extra time to adjust it again. Almost six months later and haven't heard a peep out of it since. We apply the EPB each time we stop the vehicle to get out.

[PerthDisco]

When doing the bedding in process the first several runs it would glide to a halt. Eventually it started locking up the back wheels. Got a few interesting looks.

[Narangga]

Like Oztourer we have had some extra things to repair or replace that we did not expect. Ours was 10.25 years old and the vehicle had done 217,000km when we bought it. The replacement engine was up to 90,000km and the new transmission was 60,000km old.

We knew we were up for timing belts etc. and some tyres but did not really expect:

Remote locking not functioning - numerous batteries, fob cases and a replacement transponder later...
Front LCA bushes needing replacing
Steering rack needing replacing
Coolant Outlet adaptor need replacing
Coolant tank needing replacement - float was stuck
Drivers door actuator needed replacing
Bonnet and Tailgate struts failed after purchase
Rear Wheel Bearings needed replacing

Then we had to be flat bedded back to civilisation during a camping trip - fortunately it was a loose fuel line and a cheap fix.

It was not until 14 months after purchase when we got back from a 7,000km trip from Darwin to Adelaide and return through the Centre without any issues that my wife told me that the jury had returned its verdict and we could keep the vehicle as it was now trustworthy! :o That's great because I love both of them and choosing would have been difficult. :D

Two weeks later the alternator died...