Bulkhead Workshop › Land Rover models › Land Rover Series III 2.25 diesel › Workshop guide › Brake & clutch fluid change

Land Rover Series III 2.25 diesel: brake & clutch fluid change

Brakes · Series III (1971–85) · 1971–1985

How often: every 2 yrs. Brake fluid absorbs water. Wet fluid boils under hard braking and rusts the cylinders from inside.

Brakes	DOT4 (Castrol LMA or equivalent). Don't mix with silicone DOT5
Clutch hydraulics	DOT4 (separate master cylinder)

Work safely: support the vehicle on axle stands, never a jack alone; let it cool first. Check figures against your workshop manual. You do this work at your own risk.

Parts

Brake fluid (DOT4 (Castrol LMA or equivalent). Don't mix with silicone DOT5; ≈1 L)
Clutch fluid (DOT4 (separate master cylinder))

Tools

Bleed tube & bottle
Brake bleed spanner
Helper or one-man bleed kit

Step by step

Bleed each wheel starting with the one furthest from the master cylinder, until clean fluid comes through with no bubbles.
Keep the reservoir topped up the whole time so no air gets in.
Bleed the clutch slave cylinder the same way.
Check pedal feel is firm before driving.

More Land Rover Series III 2.25 diesel servicing

Engine oil & filter change every 3,000 mi or 6 months
Clean oil-bath air cleaner every 6,000 mi or year
Fuel filter change & bleed every 12,000 mi or year
Drain fuel sedimenter / water trap every 6,000 mi or 6 months
Check & adjust valve clearances every 12,000 mi or year
Heater plug & starting check every 12,000 mi or year
Injector test & service every 24,000 mi or 2 yrs
Fan / auxiliary belt check every 6,000 mi or year
Coolant drain, flush & refill every 2 yrs
Grease propshafts & nipples every 3,000 mi or 6 months
Check swivel housing oil & seals every 6,000 mi or 6 months
Change swivel housing oil every 12,000 mi or year
Check gearbox, transfer & axle oil levels every 6,000 mi or 6 months
Change gearbox & transfer box oil every 12,000 mi or year
Change front & rear axle oil every 12,000 mi or year
Steering box, relay & joints check every 6,000 mi or year
Adjust drum brakes & handbrake every 6,000 mi or 6 months
Inspect brake shoes, cylinders & hoses every 12,000 mi or year
Leaf springs, U-bolts & shackles every 12,000 mi or year
Wheel bearing play check every 12,000 mi or year
Chassis & bulkhead inspection, rust-proofing every year
Annual safety inspection every year
Monthly walk-round checks every month

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