Freelander 1 Low brake pedal

The brake pedal feels spongy and only applies the brakes when pressed quite far. If I pump the pedal a few times then it bites much higher up.

I've checked the fluid level which is fine.

Should a change of pads and shoes fix this or is there something more sinister going on?

If the pads/shoes look OK - probably worth giving the fluid a flush/bleed?

Thanks GrumpyGel.

Is there a guide anywhere for bleeding the brakes?

Ah ha! I found RAVE which I can see has a detailed guide

Bleed them just in case, but it sounds more like your rear shoes need tightening up.

Thanks all. I'm going to fit new pads and shoes next week so I'll see if that helps.

Going by your symptoms, most likely your system needs bled. Even if front pads/discs are worn or your rear shoes ate worn, they should take up themselves unless the self adjusters on the rear brakes aren't functioning properly. Dont trust cheap bleed kits as the bleed nipples have a tendency to pull air back in through the threads. Either use a positive pressure bleeder or get someone else to assist you by pressing the brake pedal while you back off the bleed nipples.

You need to adjust your rear shoes, pistons are retracting too far, hence a lot of pedal travel