Brake problem

[Barabus]

Hi everyone,

Need some help with a brake problem.
My Brakes have deteriorated over the last week on my 1996 P38. Meaning I have to apply more pressure to get them to work.
Yesterday my ABS, Brake and TC lights would not go out and the brakes were far worse. I have to virtually force the pedal to the end of its travel for anything to happen.
The brake fluid reservoir is full so i know its not lack of brake fluid.
I called in a local brake shop and they said I would be looking at approx 3k for a new master cylinder.
I have checked the manual and the unit he was refering to is the brake booster / ABS modulator unit which the brake fluid reservoir sits on. Can anyone shed some light on this for me please? Has anyone had the same problem? Is there a way to refurbish the unit if that is the problem?
Any help would be greatly appreciated.

Cheers

Barabus

[wayneg]

There are 3 things you are dealing with and you need to get it correct or you will get a big bill.
1st and cheapest is the ABS Accumulator sphere. These degrade over time and can be had new from the UK for less than A$200. Its a screw off screw on job so an easy DIY.
2nd thing is the ABS pump. This is the unit under the accumulator sphere. You should be able to hear it running on initial start up, it charges the sphere then cuts out when working pressure is reached. If the pump does not run at all it could be knackered, possible from overwork from a worn out sphere. There is a pressure switch on the pump which could have failed, this would be the best scenario. These pump units are big bucks so second hand from the UK is the go. There is also a breakers in Maddington looking to sell ABS parts. They are very pricey and have been on sale for ages so I would only offer half what they want..R/ROVER P38 ABS UNIT. | Brakes & Suspension | Gumtree Australia Gosnells Area - Maddington
The ABS modulator can fail but can be repaired with a kit. Do a search, I think HardRange might sell them with instructions.

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Land-Rover...item3a73a91dfd

And read this before driving the car any more....P38 Brake failure timely reminder

[mtb_gary]

Barabus

Another item prone to failure is the relay for the ABS pump. Easily replaced but unfortunately not one of the over the counter relays from the local speed shop.

If it is the modulator as wayneg suggested HRA do sell the kit. I have done a rebuild on mine.

Gary

[Barabus]

Thanks for the response guys.
Wayneg, very useful information. I'll start tomorrow with the process of elimination.

[Barabus]

Guys,

Received a second hand ABS pump today and fitted it but still nothing. The pump is not running on engine start up.
So far I have replaced the fuse box after finding heat cracks and added new relays, checked the fuses and everything is ok on that side. Any ideas what could be causing the pump not to run? Also ABS, brake light and TC lights are still on all the time.
Is there a bench test I can do on the pump to see if I have been sent a dud?

Cheers

Bara

[mtb_gary]

Bara
You've got 2 electrical plugs at the ABS pump, the top one that connects to the pressure switch and the lower one that connects directly to the pump. Have you tried disconnecting the lower one and running 12v directly to the pump. At least that way you can eliminate the pump as a problem.
Also whilst on the subject of pressure switches did the replacement pump come with a pressure switch?
If the pressure switch and pump are ok it could also be back at the ABS ECU (located behind the glovebox).
Gary

[Barabus]

Gary,

The pump did come with a pressure switch.
Tested the pump off the battery this morning and it worked fine, also tested the old pump and nothing so at least i know the old one was knackered.
Had another look at the relays. I only changed out one, the other is RL17 so need to change that one out ASAP. Couldn't swap that out with any of the others as the prongs are different, this one has a narrower prong.
Guess once I have done that then the only thing it could be is the ABS ECU.
Fingers crossed its the relay.

Bara

[mtb_gary]

Bara

I do have a spare relay at home if you want to test it. Where in Perth are you?

Gary

[Barabus]

Gary,

I'm down in Golden Bay near Mandurah.
I ordered a relay from Lynn Rover earlier today so it should be here tomorrow morning.
Thanks for all the help mate, I'll let you know how I get on tomorrow.

Cheers

Bara

[glenhendry]

I think I have an ABS ECU here that you could use. PM for more info. I'd be betting on the electricals before the ECU though.