Brakes D1

[franko]

Alrighty so i need to get my brakes done on my D1.

I have worked on brakes on other trucks and cars are these pretty easy to change out the pads on?

And is there a better upgrade that i should be looking into well I'm at it? Have heard of the D90 brake swap is that pretty straight forward ?

Thanks

[Rob]

I've worked on RRC and D2 brakes and have found them to be pretty straight forward. Parts are available through local suppliers if you want to go with aftermarket stuff but it is pricey compared to domestics. Lots of access to info on the internet such as on-line versions of original manuals and some good detailed blogs with pictures. My only warnings are to be careful not to damage the ABS sensors and if you are removing the calipers I'd recommend caution with the mounting bolts. I stripped one and it was a bugger to remove.

Usual backyard mechanic advice caveats apply.

[red90]

If you just do a pad change, it is super easy as the calipers are fixed. Changing the rotors is a royal PITA as the hub needs to be removed.

[Arcades]

There is a kit out there that allows you to swap to defender brakes... Vented rotors and stronger calipers... I think the pistons are bigger... Not completely sure... Something I picked up... More info on dweb...

[franko]

Thanks for all the info guys. And Rob what do you mean about the ABS sensor?
My dash lights is on for that anyway,has been ever since I did my diesel swap.

[Rob]

Each wheel has a wire running to it with a sensor that measures the rotation of the wheels and sends that information to the ABS system. It will look like a wire coming out of the rear of the hub

http://www.rimmerbros.co.uk/ImagePopUp. ... GRID010022 .

The wires can get broken or the sensor dislodged causing error codes. There's lots of internet discussion about these units. I also see lots of info on diagnosing Disco 1 ABS codes manually however I've never done it personally (my D2 can be read through the OBD2 port using a dedicated ABS scanner).

Hope this info is useful.

Cheers, Rob
PS: Ditto on Red90s note about the PITA aspect of rotor replacement, be prepared to replace hub lube and seals if your rotors are shot as you have to disassemble the hub to extract the rotor.

[franko]

I guess I'll just have to pull it all apart and see what's going on. Will the brakes operate with out the ABS? Can I just remove the system or is that asking for trouble?
Was thinking about doing the D90 swap but maybe its not worth it this time around.

[red90]

Yes, the brakes are fine without the ABS. It is not very good on D1s anyway. You can Google up on how to disable it properly.

[Crs]

If you pull the fuse for the ABS, then no ABS. You DO get the warning light on the dash and have regular brakes.

Of course, for the lawyers out there, here's the usual disclaimer: PLEASE DO NOT TRY THIS AT HOME. I'm just babbling. Brakes are an important safety item and should only be serviced by qualified personnel.

[franko]

Okay well like I said ever since my diesel swap my ABS dash light has been on.
So for the last 10months I've been driving around with no ABS and its fine.
I'll just do the pads soon and call it good.