Thread: Disco1 TDI 300 Brake Problem

Hi All, Can somebody recommend the best Brand of Brake Pads to get my disco to stop the best Possible Way? I have just brought this thing, surely they were built to at least pull up. Please help me!

There are a few more things I'd be looking at before pads. Check the vacuum assist is working properly, they are known to leak, I had one completely **** itself. Furthermore, also check vacuum pump and lines to booster.

Also be checking the brake fluid, does it look clean? Maybe a bleed to ensure no trapped air and a flush if required, relatively quick and easy on these vehicles.

In my experience the brakes aren't too bad on these unless somethong is wrong or tyre size has been upped. Are you on standard or slightly oversize tyres, or larger?

I used Bendix pads last time I changed, not sure exactly which, was their top of the line, can't say the difference was that huge of standard - was a little better but even on OEM pads could get wheels to lock with a fair stamp on the pedal which makes me think you need to check some other things first as above.

Standard wheels and tyres. Booster and vacuum seems fine. Changed fluid and bled all system through. To me it feels like pad material. It just seems to me it should stop a little bit easier. Thats why im asking i thought there might be a recommended pad because of the vehicle being so heavy with such a small disc size.

Just changed my pad on my 96 tdi does yours have abs?
mine stop like a sedan.
I just put bendix pads in mine they cost me 70 dollars.

Would pay to check if front calipers have an extra bleed nipple on the outside of the caliper, if so it usually cant be seen from under the vehicle, if the 3rd bleed nipple is there and hasn't been bled, then there is your problem, Regards Frank.

Yes it does have ABS. Definately only has one bleed nipple per calliper.I just brought this car the other day with no brakes.A couple of pumps and things started to happen. Bled about a litre of fluid through the whole system. Starting with left rear wheel finishing at front right. First time around i got air out of the front right calliper. but second time around i ended up with a good pedal. I let it sit for about 30 mins. tried it again and things where still fine. Discs look fine, brake pads not far off brand new but dont know what brand. I took it for a drive around the block and just doesnt seem to stop as expected, compared to anything else i have ever driven. Going by these forums it sounds like they are not good at stopping anyway. I am going to pop the pads out in the morning and give them a rub on the concrete and see if things are any better. Is there a pad that is recommended for these cars. Maybe, does anybody know if maybe a soft pad would make this thing stop. Or any other ideas PLEASE!

Originally Posted by 1disco

....A couple of pumps and things started to happen. Bled about a litre of fluid through the whole system. .... I let it sit for about 30 mins. tried it again and things where still fine. Discs look fine, brake pads not far off brand new but dont know what brand. I took it for a drive around the block and just doesnt seem to stop as expected, compared to anything else i have ever driven. ...

Really sounds like the vacuum pump is going off, that's where I bet my money on. Disco brakes aren't the most efficient when it comes down to stopping the whole mass of the vehicle, but at least you should see some action.
I use Delphi pads (OEM), never had any issues, but in comparison to other vehicles the effectiveness of the brakes still leaves a lot to be desired.
Cheers

Originally Posted by 1disco

Booster and vacuum seems fine. .

My vehicle was very hard to stop till I changed the booster - Didn't touch the vac pump, but the difference was huge. Up to then the brakes needed a lot of pressure to work, even with new pads it felt like they were not biting the discs. I can't agree with these vehicles being hard to stop, when everything is working right the brakes are really good.

Is the abs light staying on? If so could be a sensor making it feel soggy and ****weak.
I drove one a while back, really bad pedal feel compared to non abs.