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| Grenadier Member Since: 23 Jul 2014 Location: The foot of Mont Blanc... Posts: 5765   
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Hello all,
As some of you will know, I live in the Alps and use my DCPU as a daily driver. This means a lot of driving the twisty-turny alpine roads local to me. Most are 50kmh-70kmh, some 90kmh roads. With a long list of other mods planned, a big brake kit is currently on the distant horizon. However, I'd be keen to take advice on any upgrades I can make to the OE system/parts that might make the brakes feel less spongy and offer a bit more bite. As a minimum I plan to replace the OE hoses to steel braided versions (I'm assuming Goodrich would be the agreed go-to brand), but is there anything else I can do? My system is absolutely OE. Only recent upgrade were some new Ferodo pads 12mths/3k km ago.... Are there: Better/Upgrade Pads Better/Upgrade Discs Better/Upgrade Servo (for feedback) Better/Upgrade Fluid Also: Any mods I can/should make to the OE calipers, (aside from painting them go-faster red), such as improved pins/springs? Thanks as ever in advance.  Monsieur Le Grenadier
I've not been everywhere, but it's on my list..... 2011 Puma 110DC - Corris Grey Last edited by Grenadier on 3rd Sep 2019 10:03am. Edited 1 time in total |
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3rd Sep 2019 9:01am |
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| rallysteve Member Since: 10 Feb 2014 Location: Cumbria Posts: 2201  
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Assuming all of your calipers are in good working order:
Personally I would change to stainless braided flexis (make sure you try and get the stainless ended ones as the cheaper goodridge ones rust quite quickly) and change to DOT 5.1 fluid. This made the brake pedal much firmer in my own DCPU and although it doesnt see anything like your commute in the alps, it does get driven heavily loaded in the peak district quite often and the brakes feel much better now. I just use Delphi standard pads and discs all round and find them adequate. I wouldn't get lured into drilled and grooved discs as you are unlikely to see any usable improvement and will see higher pad wear. The issue with changing to a higher friction pad material is often that they will only show improved behaviour when upto temperature. As such can be false economy for normal road driving. Especially if the brakes have time to cool down between each application. Hope that helps, Steve 02' 110 TD5 Double Cab Rebuild Thread 84' 90 3.9 V8 Caged Pickup Build Thread - Now For Sale |
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3rd Sep 2019 9:18am |
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| geobloke Member Since: 06 Nov 2012 Location: Nottinghamshire Posts: 4410
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Dot5.1 eh?! does it make that much difference? Seriously tempted to flush out this weekend. Managed to boil the DOT4 back in April going down a set of very steep switch-backs. It was NOT Fun...! Especially with a very busy T-junc at the bottom of the hill... NOT FUN...!
Big thumbs up for the EBC discs and in fact the Britpart drilled and grooved too from me, worth the extra IMHO. Found that the standard Mintrex pads screeeeeeeech like a banshee so am using EBC all around and they work well, especially when warmed up. Good to hear about the Brembo pads, might try those next.
Have had extended goodrich braided hoses fitted for ten years now and they have been and still are worth the cost and effort. To the best of my knowledge there is not an upgraded brake servo for the Defender, is that right folks? |
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3rd Sep 2019 9:49am |
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| Grenadier Member Since: 23 Jul 2014 Location: The foot of Mont Blanc... Posts: 5765
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Thanks all.
Geobloke, you sound like you have similar response (or lack of) to me. This is the corner I notice the lack of bite/response and get sponginess most. It's an A Road, normally loads of artics about, is a 10% descent, 90kmh to 50kmh, then into a hard 90 degree banked left turn. I think about upgrading every time I go round the bend. https://www.google.com/maps/@45.9317381,6....312!8i6656 Braided hoses and Dot 5.1 at least, and will look into pad/disc/caliper configuration. As an afterthought, has anyone ever added a set of front calipers to the rear? Is it possible? Just musing, not thinking of actually doing it....  Monsieur Le Grenadier
I've not been everywhere, but it's on my list..... 2011 Puma 110DC - Corris Grey |
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3rd Sep 2019 9:59am |
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| bankz5152 Member Since: 02 Feb 2017 Location: South London/North Kent Posts: 2087 
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As far as I know there is only standard servos just different quality.
I found DOT5.1 made a difference, firmer pedal. Instagram @defender_ventures Empire Tuning - Agent |
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3rd Sep 2019 9:59am |
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| rallysteve Member Since: 10 Feb 2014 Location: Cumbria Posts: 2201
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But that is for the clutch, arnt we talking about brakes here? 02' 110 TD5 Double Cab Rebuild Thread 84' 90 3.9 V8 Caged Pickup Build Thread - Now For Sale |
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3rd Sep 2019 10:00am |
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| Grenadier Member Since: 23 Jul 2014 Location: The foot of Mont Blanc... Posts: 5765
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^^^ Yes, sorry, my bad. Was also looking at clutch improvements. Getting a list together for upcoming work.
'My bad' as youngsters say these days.... Monsieur Le Grenadier
I've not been everywhere, but it's on my list..... 2011 Puma 110DC - Corris Grey |
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3rd Sep 2019 10:04am |
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| rallysteve Member Since: 10 Feb 2014 Location: Cumbria Posts: 2201
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I have 4 pot non-vented setup on the back of my 90. Totally unnecessary and too easy to lock the rears up as there isnt enough weight on it.
You would have to mess with adjustable bias valve on the back if you do this. It will also worsen the pedal feel as there will be more travel owing to the extra fluid required for the additional pistons.  Click image to enlarge Cheers, Steve 02' 110 TD5 Double Cab Rebuild Thread 84' 90 3.9 V8 Caged Pickup Build Thread - Now For Sale |
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3rd Sep 2019 10:10am |
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| geobloke Member Since: 06 Nov 2012 Location: Nottinghamshire Posts: 4410
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Having said I didn't know of a servo upgrade a small bit of searching uncovered this modification from the States;
https://www.defendersource.com/forum/f6/my...617-2.html |
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3rd Sep 2019 10:10am |
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| Zed Member Since: 07 Oct 2017 Location: In the woods Posts: 3058 
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This plus stainless pistons would be a great starting point and comparatively inexpensive to do. Definitely worth trying before splurging on big brakes. |
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3rd Sep 2019 11:32am |
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| 90 Dreamer Member Since: 13 Jul 2019 Location: Oop North Posts: 2056 
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if the calipers are free to move and pistons in good condition then S/steel pistons makes no difference at all........
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3rd Sep 2019 12:03pm |
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| Zed Member Since: 07 Oct 2017 Location: In the woods Posts: 3058
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True in theory but my originals deteriorated quickly, as did the genuine replacement calipers resulting in very poor braking most of the time. SS have been perfect.
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3rd Sep 2019 12:20pm |
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| bankz5152 Member Since: 02 Feb 2017 Location: South London/North Kent Posts: 2087
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One of those things thays only really worth doing if you can really be bothered and have the time! Instagram @defender_ventures
Empire Tuning - Agent |
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3rd Sep 2019 2:35pm |
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| foxhound Member Since: 02 Mar 2013 Location: United Kingdom Posts: 357 
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After my handbrake failed to grip on a steep devon lane towing my trailer, I installed the XEng handbrake --worth every penny! 110 Defender 300tdi & Penman trailer with ally exped top and roof tent
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3rd Sep 2019 7:46pm |
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