Spongy Brakes - Defender 90 2001

[huffhuff]

Hi all,

Over the last week, the brakes on the 90 have been getting a little spongy. On first depress of brake pedal, it goes nearly to the ground, then every pump after gets stiffer. They stay ok for a little bit, a few hundred yards and then back to pumping the pedal.

I've not had chance to get out yet and look, any common issues? I'm guessing air in the system somewhere?

Cheers all,

huff-huff-a-roo

 

[Birdbrain]

Leak from either the front calipers (discs) or rear cylinders (drums) or from master cylinder.

 

[Colthebrummie]

Maybe air in the fluid but in my case, the shoes needed adjusting. The adjusters had rusted up and as the shoes wore, a gap between the drum and shoe surface got bigger. When the pedal was pressed, it went a long way, the second press helped and the third press of the pedal made the brakes work properly. It got through 2 mot's like that.

Col

 

[Gmacz]

if no leaks then master cylinder is usual cause.

 

[huffhuff]

Thanks all, will see if I can stick my head under while it's still light later on. Will leaks in these places be obvious?

ta

 

[Riboid]

Hi all,

Over the last week, the brakes on the 90 have been getting a little spongy. On first depress of brake pedal, it goes nearly to the ground, then every pump after gets stiffer. They stay ok for a little bit, a few hundred yards and then back to pumping the pedal.

I've not had chance to get out yet and look, any common issues? I'm guessing air in the system somewhere?

Cheers all,

huff-huff-a-roo

Corroded or damaged brake pipes?

 

[neilly]

Check your wheelbearings.....

Plus, do you have drums or discs on the back?

Cheers

 

[tottot]

If your brake pedal leg is damp and oily then the master is the cause.

 

[gazman]

I ad a duff wheel bearing do this to me. It failed quickly but wasn't making any noise. Well not a normal wheel bearing noise that I could hear.

 

[the murfster]

Probally wheel bearing jack up & check,its worth checking ive had a wheel bearing collapse scared the crap out of me.