Birdbrain · May 15, 2022

Good morning all.
I’m looking for advice on best front calipers to buy for my 1992 Defender 200tdi. The originals were replaced 6 years ago but I’ve noticed the pads only touch the middle of the discs and the top / bottoms of discs aren’t touched. I’ve seen another thread on here where some calipers seem to be better than others. Can anyone advise on best calipers to buy as replacements please.

miktdish · May 15, 2022

I imagine that your calipers are ok.
The effect you describe is likely because the disk has corroded.
There are some differences in calipers, better quality chrome on the pistons or better quality seals etc, but as a general rule they are all very similar, perhaps the protective coating is better on some than others.
I've had Britpart, Bearmach and AP, AP racing are Brembo, AP factory are an Indian company that I suspect (but don't know for certain) make all the other brands, and they are all very similar.

Disks are relatively cheap, as are pads. You need the disks and the pads to be flat (relative to each other) and this will increase the friction between the two and the braking will be more efficient.
Change them first, don't use new disks and old pads.
The effect you describe is likely because the disk has corroded away.

For less than £60 you can get a complete disk/pad/fitting kit https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/301031086578

lynall · May 15, 2022

The cheap calipers are just fine.
Dont get hung up on a name/brand.

Dr Strangeglove · May 15, 2022

What pads are you using? I would probably try different brands of those before changing calipers. I have used Ferodo pads on the front of mine as recommended by Britanica Mike, but I haven't put enough miles on them to give you a review.

Zed. · May 15, 2022

I bought a pair of reconditioned / origonal front calipers for the Ninety on ebay for cheap, they were being sold by 'Big Redd' as tested but remanufactured by a different company that they'd bough old stock from, iirc they were £25 each.

200tdi 3 door Disco's (& other ramblings...) also '86 Ninety 200tdi hybrid...

seem to be ok and I've not died yet

personally I prefer origonal items remanufactured over 'oem' style copies (theres ****loads of genuine-fit / takeoff LR calipers out there that can be reconditioned / remanufactured) but reproduction items should be good

Rich.

Birdbrain · May 16, 2022

miktdish said:
I imagine that your calipers are ok.
The effect you describe is likely because the disk has corroded.
There are some differences in calipers, better quality chrome on the pistons or better quality seals etc, but as a general rule they are all very similar, perhaps the protective coating is better on some than others.
I've had Britpart, Bearmach and AP, AP racing are Brembo, AP factory are an Indian company that I suspect (but don't know for certain) make all the other brands, and they are all very similar.

Disks are relatively cheap, as are pads. You need the disks and the pads to be flat (relative to each other) and this will increase the friction between the two and the braking will be more efficient.
Change them first, don't use new disks and old pads.
The effect you describe is likely because the disk has corroded away.

For less than £60 you can get a complete disk/pad/fitting kit https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/301031086578

New discs last year! Think they were Bearmach ones as well.

Birdbrain · May 16, 2022

Dr Strangeglove said:
What pads are you using? I would probably try different brands of those before changing calipers. I have used Ferodo pads on the front of mine as recommended by Britanica Mike, but I haven't put enough miles on them to give you a review.

That sounds a plan. Easier & cheaper than changing discs

Birdbrain · May 17, 2022

Dr Strangeglove said:
What pads are you using? I would probably try different brands of those before changing calipers. I have used Ferodo pads on the front of mine as recommended by Britanica Mike, but I haven't put enough miles on them to give you a review.

Got new Ferodo pads that I’m fitting tomorrow.They’re chamfered on one edge (see photo). No fitting instructions but after googling & looking at ferodo websassume the chamfer goes at the top

Dr Strangeglove · May 17, 2022

Look at 55 mins in. The chamfer goes at the bottom.

Birdbrain · May 18, 2022

Dr Strangeglove said:
Look at 55 mins in. The chamfer goes at the bottom.

Brilliant! Thanks for looking that up. Makes sense as stones, muck will drop out

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