[DaveSurf]

Is it normal for the handbrake arm (rod underneather the gator) to get extremely hot whilst driving? If not any one know why mine might be?

 

[jonathanp]

Yes , Disco's have a problem with their earth leads/ connections and corrosion and as a result they sometimes make the earth connection through the hand brake cable . Regards Jonathan

 

[Pikey]

As above check your earths before driving any further. Last one I went to sort out required half the wiring under the dash replacing due to it melting all the insulation including all the immobiliser wiring. He was very very lucky that his motor didn't go up in flames.

 

[Pikey]

Regards Jonathan

This int the rangey bit. Ya don't have to sign ya replies down ere

 

[DaveSurf]

Thanks, where abouts are all the earths?

 

[Pikey]

check engine to chassis just behind N/S front wheel and gearbox to earth. IIRC

 

[nicedayforit]

Thanks, where abouts are all the earths?

If your handbrake cable is getting hot when you are driving the chances are your alternator isn't earthed properly.
You need to check the two engine earth straps.
One where the main battery -ve cable connects to the offside chassis leg next to the bottom of the radiator. The other is connected to the nearside chassis leg next to the engine mount. It goes to a starter mounting bolt.
Just a case of dismantling each connection, cleaning all the bits to bright metal including the chassis connection point, smearing with Vaseline and reassembling. Cover with a thick layer of grease when finished.
The other earth to look at is the main body earth behind the battery, looks like a cable clamp. Same treatment as the others.
If you want to be absolutely sure you could run a new additional heavy cable directly from an alternator mounting bolt to the battery -ve terminal. Saves all sorts of problems on an older car.