sidewaysste said:

Stu - what are your impressions of the def 130 brakes vs standard ones?

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Well mine is an auto, and had problems on a few steep hills of it 'coasting' down them, so my foot was always on the brakes - when I got to the bottom I had to stop to let them cool down, as smole would billow out from them

I can now do the same without the smoke so something has improved

It is also hard to compare, as I had old solid discs and pads that were worn, scratched etc, so just going to new standard stuff would have improved, but going to performance stuff upped the anti also.

But I do know I can now stop, esp with all the added weight that has gone on - roorack, HD steering guard, winch bumper with a wrap around bull bar etc

I would say it was worth it, as brakes are up there on my list of items not to scrimp on, like tyres...and it really only cost me a set of calipers as I would have replaced the discs and pads anyway, and the calipers where god knows how old, so all in all a good way to overhall and upgrade at the same time.

I have also sorted out my gearbox so I can lock it in first now to save the brakes

are you going to the Bristol & West show? If so you can have a mooch around my setup and give them a go?

robbh said:

I use Apec discs and pads.
Changed to Apec brakes with every car ive owned including my disco and they are brilliant. And they aren't extortionate either price wise

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+1
I've got apec on my rangie and disco. The disco properly stops when you want it to as does the rangie

I've only cooked the brakes one and that was tanking it down a steep hil then hit the anchors and dragged the brakes rather than locking up.

Stu - This is the first I'd heard of the show. It's a bit far from me but it might make a nice weekend away. If I do go I'll come and have a look!

I tend to use Apec brake parts on customer's cars - I'm impressed with them, well made and durable.

Best thing I ever did was to first replace all the brake fluid with new, then change the brake flexi pipes for (+4" for lifting and articulation) stainless braided lines .. Immensely powerful now.

Make sure all four are properly bled and that all caliper pistons work properly! My offside rear was very poor and was found to be a stuck piston, replaced piston and seals and all good again. Absolutely no need for anything 'different', and we carry a lot of gear, especially when towing the caravan.

One thing that might also be worth checking if your brakes constantly feel poor is the wheel bearings .. make sure they're all set correctly, it makes a huge difference!

If your not happy with the clamping power of your brakes have you checked that the brakes are working as they should be? ie caliper's moving free, pads free, disc's not wearing thin etc etc