rear brakes not working?

Hi, wondered if anyone could help..when I press the brake pedal the front brakes lock up and the rear brakes don't seem to do much.

Im out in the alps, so when it was skidding to a stop on some snow, I popped my head out of the window, the front was locked, the rear wheels were still turning.

Im guessing this shouldn't happen? and it has disks all round.

I wouldn't really know where to start to try and solve it...and im in the middle of changing the p gasket and water pump...no heating at -15 is not fun!

Thanks

there is a bias to the front wheels braking wise so with it been icy it will lock the front and not both.

what vehicle?

sorry disco 300 tdi

the bias is something quite large like 70-30 which is why the front discs are so much bigger

dnorkett said:

sorry disco 300 tdi

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age?
abs or non abs?

im assuming that the car doesn't have abs? if so a good punch on the breaks with the clutch depressed should produce all wheel lock up in slippy conditions such as ice/snow.

I would then check the break fluid level as there is two different levels in the bottom of the reservoir one for the front breaks and the other for the rear breaks.

if ok i'd try bleeding the rear breaks. how old is the break fluid? have you ever changed it? maybe its worth changing as overtime it attracts water. this changes the charcteristics of the response and the fluid can do damage to the inside of the system.

Steve.

thanks for the replies, its a non abs and it really dosent take much to lock the front brakes up, i just have to press the brakes under normal use or even think about it and they lock!

its my first land rover, so im not to sure what the brakes are like..

I have never changed the fluid, and judging by the rest of the car..(list as long as me arm!) i guess i should start there

Is there any specific part of the rear braking system that is prone to failing? my first thought was seized callipers?? but as there is no lock nut key so i cant get the wheels off!!!

You'll have to get the wheels off. Maybe get someone to weld some bolts to the lock nuts. I did this recently for a friend.

Then inspect the callipers. Take the pads out and see if the pistons move.

A full set of pads, disks and replacement fluid is less than a 100 quid. And then theres peace of mind in terms of safety.

I would try bleeding the brakes first to ensure that the callipers work correctly though.

Steve.

pretty much what steve says ^^^