Thread: Welcome back brakes, not.

Took the 130 in for rego a week or so ago. I knew there were a couple of things coming up, so thought I'd get some parts in advance. I picked up a caliper seal kit for the front brakes and landed them all on the mechanic, no time for me to do it.

I drop in the next day and he says, all well and good, but the kit doesn't come with the inner seals - little nested cylinders of black rubber that sit somewhere in the middle of the caliper. No worries, I head out to the parts place to get some.

The parts guy gives me the look that parts guys reserve for idiots. Lockheed don't make that part. You don't strip the calipers down by pulling them all the way down, you just slip the pistons out and clean it as a piece.

So, back to the mechanic. He says something unflattering about parts guys and tells me he'll sort it. Few days later, the truck is registered, all seems well, drive it for an hour or so, pedal was a bit soft, but mechanic assures me it can be a bit odd when the seals are done, and had bled it a second time 'cos I was so worried. Park the truck, brake fluid ****ing. over the wheel.

Back to the mechanic. Turns out his supplier didn't supply him right-sized parts, and unusually he's not given me the bits back. So mechanic is feeling sheepish and we're both looking for an answer.

Any suggestions where I can get the parts from and what the story is?

And what is the deal with stripping brake cylinders?

I am coming to the conclusion that the 130 is cursed. If anyone recalls the long, long story of the brake pipes - Two big brake places repeatedly gave me incorrect parts, even with the original part in front of them. Now at least it is happening to the mechanic and not me. But still, my Defender.

Cheers
Simon

Originally Posted by abaddonxi

JC

This time it was the mechanics fault.

He's the biggest mechanic in the area and has heaps of experience, and a soft spot for Land Rovers. The parts suppliers are also the major suppliers in the area.

And unfortunately, I've had equivalent problems when I've taken the 130 to major Land Rover specialist mechanics. Those guys who should know better.

If it was just once, or one place, but when it keeps happening over and over again you blame the common element.

Cheers
Simon

Hmmm, I know we can all make mistakes, but it sounds like your 130 has had its fair share of trouble at the hands of others.
Sorry to hear it, a lesser person may have traded it by now , calling it 'unreliable'

JC
JC