No longer an off road virgin... Help needed

It’s official, I’m no longer an off road virgin. Had a great day it opened my eyes to what these things can do even with these tyres and totally standard.

Got a fair bit of sideways driving today… And had to get toed because of ground clearance ha haa. PHEW!!!

Now unfortunately I need your help as there was ‘an issue’… I lost my brakes

: (

There was brake fluid (in the mud) around the front drivers side wheel. Long storey made short we made it back to the road using the low box to keep the speed down and got recovered home by the magic of the RAC. We initially all thought a brake line had been pulled out but when we got the Disco on the recovery truck I had a look underneath, I couldn’t see very well because of the lack of light and all the crap underneath but I’m sure it was the metal pipe (not the brake line) that is attached to the calliper. (Pictured)

Just wondering what your ideas are, if any. If it is just this part can this be replaced or is it a new pair of callipers job?

Cheers, it’s not put me off looking forward to my next go

the pipe can easy be replaced, 25feet of pipe is about £10 from a motor factor and new unions are about 25p each the only thing you will have trouble with is flairing the ends, but a local garage will normaly do it for a couple of beer tokens

That's just a short length of metal pipe from the caliper to the bracket where it joins the flexi hose. No problem to replace. Either measure the length and get one made up by a local garage or buy a genuine replacement from a LR indie, replace it, bleed the brakes and job done.

take the brake pipe off trying to keep it's shape, then take it to a local garage or motor shop, they'll make you up a new one for a few quid

they will hate you for it tho, cause its easier to so it on the car

G-man said:

they will hate you for it tho, cause its easier to so it on the car

Click to expand...

Buy the tool from a draper supplier, it can be used under the vehicle if required and it aint expensive. A length of pipe, brake fluid and a selection of pipe ends and you are in business. If you are off roading like me you are best to have one, but have a look at your pipe runs and see if you can protect them a bit. The pipe in the front wheel arch at the passenger side is particularilly vunerable where it meets the floor, I picked up some branches on my wheel and it took out the pipe.

I dont pay any foker if I can do it myself, buy it only if you cant make it, and remember you will have the tool forever. At some point you will have to replace all the pipes or on occasion like this one you may be caught out and need a pipe, and nothing worse than trying to find transport and a garage to make one up while you wait.

don't be tempted to buy a cheap flaring tool - they are crap and produce malformed ends - which will leak

look for an old sykes one

Got the pipes, now just need to have a go tomorrow and hopefvully that's all the problem was..

; )

Cheers guys

Had several set backs
couldn't get in the garage to get jack, axle stands, brake fluid... etc..
couldn't find lock nut key
couldn't get bolts undone
Wheel did not want to come off
Pipe wasn't the right shape
Mud EVERYWHERE, I mean ABSOLUTLEY EVERYWHERE
Couldn't get axle stand under the rear near side anywhere while the trolley jack was in place
Bottle jack doesn't work
bottle jack leaked fluid all over my shoes
Couldn't get around to bleeding the brakes

So all in all, I've spent a while, cold, wet, upset, confused, cold, wet, narked off.. And you know what??


I loved every minute of it and will have to bleed the brakes on the weekend... Just before I attack the difflock to free it up

Does this mean I am know an official land rover owner?

well least you enjoyed it and stuck with it as far as i know this is the world of old land rovers well deffo the ones i have owned.

i recomend you get a pressure washer and use it before you set to work on it. it will help also recomend latex type gloves.

hope all goes well with the rest of the repair and you remember what you did as others may need your help/advise one day