Thread: brake upgrade

From what I have heard it is a pretty simple operation.
Replace discs with vented version and fit caliper spacer kits.

I will look at doing it to my Rangie when the solid discs wear out.

I believe defender calipers fit.

Michael.

you can buy spacer kits to fit the dba vented discs....

do a search on vented discs as there was an indepth discussion not long ago if my memory serves me rightly...

Originally Posted by incisor

you can buy spacer kits to fit the dba vented discs....

do a search on vented discs as there was an indepth discussion not long ago if my memory serves me rightly...

Thanks Insisor there is a heap of info there



Blythe

Noting of course that with ventilated disks the brakes will not actually work better - just fad less when they get hot. Do you have an issue with fading brakes - I never did with my two D1s.

Gazzz

Originally Posted by blitz

Has anyone done a vented disc brake upgrade on a early series I disco? if you have how hard as it what was involved and do you have a rough idea of cost? any help would be appreciated.

I think I will put braided brake lines on first to see if that makes much difference but still like the idea of bigger / better brakes


Cheers Blythe

Nothing to do specifically with the Disco, but I am interested in what you mean by "better" brakes (bigger is obvious, but not very practical putting bigger discs on). As I see it there are a number of things you could mean by "better', either singly or several together - and what improves one point may have no effect or even be retrograde for others. The points I see are (and the list may not be complete):-

1. Lower pedal pressure (affected by lining type, master and wheel cylinder diameters, pedal geometry, level of vacuum)
2. Shorter pedal travel (affected by lining type, master and wheel cylinder diameters, pedal geometry, lost motion due to expansion of flexible lines) - note that most factors work in opposite directions for 1 & 2!
3. More progressive and predictable braking (affected by lining type, proportioning between front and rear, ABS, tyre type, size and pressure)
4. Less fade (affected by lining type, special disc cooling such as slotted or drilled discs, type of wheel, tyre type and size, fluid type and condition)
5. Greater maximum and average deceleration (affected mainly by tyre type, but some effect from 3 & 4.

All the above factors start from the assumption that everything in the current setup is working up to its design standards. What do others think? What do you really mean by "better" brakes?

John

Id for starters check to make sure everything is as it should be as the Disco brakes are pretty bloody good in comparison to most cars considering they are pulling up a couple of tonne.

Also id stay away from X drilled performance type discs on a 4wd as Ive seen them on cruisers with big cracks in them between the drill holes that we could only put down to rapid cooling as it seemed to have a clunk in time with the wheel going around under brakes along with a shudder just after they went through a shallow river crossing out at king hut after coming down a fairly steep hill.

Granted they shouldnt have been on the brakes but you cant tell a cruiser driver anything but thats only 1 reason id stay away from them.

Deffinatly go for the braided brake lines if you like that kinda thing but standard type Hyd Hoses are more than sufficient in 4 wire up to 3500psi or more (i cant remember but I know thats what is on most of my machines) and would be a fair bit cheaper for something you dont realy look at.

I believe some (not sure if all) 110's have front calipers with larger dia pistons, that improve braking with larger tyres.

It has been in the back of my mind to fit some of these, along with the vented discs.