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Up-rated brakes for a Disco I

We've had our 50th Anniversary Discovery TDi from new, and since it was paid for in full long ago, and I don't foresee being in a position to buy a new one any time soon, I've spent lavish amounts on fixing the least little thing that goes wrong with it. I can look anyone in the eye and tell them that as far as I know there is not one thing in it--from the bulbs in the illuminated switches to the transmission--that currently requires attention.

But as its own 10th anniversary approaches I'm considering doing something about a problem that has always bothered me. I have never been totally happy with the authority of the brakes. Twice in the last 10 years I've had to really stand on the brakes, both times doing less than 60mph, and both times I was shocked at feebleness of the deceleration.

So here're the questions: is it actually inadvisable to consider fitting better brakes (perhaps increasing the risk of skidding)? And if it is reasonable to consider, what are my options? (I don't want to piss money away, but doing this at minimum cost is not the objective. Also I have no intention of doing the work myself, so suggestions that involve specialist fitting are welcome.)

Roy

Reply to
Roy Hann
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I dont know what the disco has as standard, but vented disks will disperse the heat better, which will improve things.

Also, performance pads pads could help. There is a make called 'Green Stuff' which are really good.

The only other way to improve it is with bigger disks so the contact area between the pad and the disk is greater. This obviously means new pads, disks, and calipers which could start getting expensive.

Has the brake fluid been changed as per schedule?

The older it gets, the less effective it gets.

Reply to
Mark Solesbury

I'll check into those, thanks.

That is the scope of possible work that I had in mind, unless it is actually counterproductive. And that really is my first question; should I even be trying to make the brakes more effective?

Oh, yes. All the fluids are changed per the schedule, on the dot. Always have been. :-)

Roy

Reply to
Roy Hann

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Reply to
EMB

Google beat you to it, but thank you anyway.

Anyone with experience of both these and OEM pads who can give me some idea of what benefit to expect? (Obviously the web site says all sorts of encouraging things, but it would.)

Roy

Reply to
Roy Hann

A friend of mine had them in a rude boy Saxo and that could stop on a penny.....

Mind, it weighs the same as a spare wheel on a disco i would image :)

They also are made of such a material that does not leave black brake dust on the alloys - And that defo works well.

Reply to
Mark Solesbury

Indeed. So to be more specific, has anyone got any relevant experience with them, i.e. fitted to a Disco or similar?

Roy

Reply to
Roy Hann

On or around Mon, 21 May 2007 22:53:11 +1200, EMB enlightened us thusly:

just one minor point, having had EBC greens on a vehicle: they seem to have a bit less bite initially, especially when they're cold. Much better when hot.

converting the disco to vented front discs ain't hard.

the other thing to consider is whether the vacuum pump and servo are performing to spec.

another possibility is glazed pads.

Reply to
Austin Shackles

On or around Mon, 21 May 2007 12:36:45 +0100, "Roy Hann" enlightened us thusly:

I put them on a LDV 400 front end, same calipers as some of the discos. As other post - better performance when hot, slightly dead feeling when cold and wet. In general, though, they were good.

You might want to look into disc thickness. I've known poor performance under heavy braking be due to worn discs which heat up quicker.

Reply to
Austin Shackles

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