Landy Blog - Use it or Lose it

Use it or Lose it

Location: Blogs Disco 2 Experience
Posted by: David Pretorius	1/15/2008 7:39 PM
I bought my Disco TD5 in July 2006 - a 2000 model with 140 000km on the clock. About 3 months later- "welcome to the club"- the ABS HDC TC system tripped and the 3 Amigos introduced themselves. They went away again after stopping the car and restarting. Three weeks later they called again , then one week later , then they called on a daily basis - sometimes not resetting when restarting . My favorite service centre ( at that stage ) did a computer check and told me ( WITH A STRAIGHT FACE) that the ABS pump and shuttle valves were completely shot and that I had no choice but to replace them ( plenty thousands of Rands for an ABS pump - think R20 000 ! I was not impressed by the diagnosis - as I dont believe the computer diagnostics are that specific and in any case I was not about to set out on a wild goose chase at high expense to fix the system. ( After all the Defender and Disco 1 manage fine without the electronics) After searching the internet I found an Aussie D2 site that advised that if the TC system is not regularly used it gums up - in particular the shuttle valves tend to stick . Decided to try exercising the sytem to see whether I could rejuvenate it . (plan B was simply not repair and instal a rear axle difflock - a lot cheaper than fixing ) First I flushed the brake system with new brake fluid . Then I found a nice long hill (Swaanswyk Rd in Tokai, 2km steep descent ) and every day for 6 weeks took the Disco to the top and let it run down with hill descent control engaged . At first the system tripped every 5 metres and I would stop and reset the system . Then after a few days it would run 10 metres and then 20 metres , until after 6 weeks it stopped trippimg and has worked reliably for the last year . This cure will not work for everyone - obviously there will be some cases where there is a definite defect that calls for replacement. But it worked for me and now I make sure that the system is activated at least once a month. A point worth noting is that to do a proper brake bleed , TestBook or equivalent is required , otherwize the ABS system is not bled (in particular the shuttle valves ). I stayed away from this as I was not happy with "experts " and computers. What about those who say TC doesnt work - believe me it does . My Disco will get through axle twisters that has my Defender floundering with wheels spinning.

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Comments (1)

Re: Use it or Lose it	By discopinion on 7/29/2008 3:38 AM
Hi Dave, I know you posted this a while ago, but it's such a gem! It seems I'm going to have to try it with the '03 as well. Speak soon... Anré