Bendix’s new ADR-compliant Ultimate 4WD Big Brake Upgrade Kits deliver vastly improved braking performance for owners of dual cab utes and their wagon derivatives, in the convenience of two comprehensive kits (front and rear).
The increasing popularity of these cars as dual-purpose vehicles – family haulers and workhorses – means that there’s a huge range of accessories and modifications available. Although these improve functionality, they also add weight, increase centre of gravity and rolling resistance.
What’s included?
The front kit includes larger diameter Ultimate 4WD Disc Brake Rotors, Bendix 6-Piston monoblock calipers with bracket mounting kit, as well as Ultimate 4WD Brake Pads and Ultimate 4WD Braided Brake Hoses.
The larger Ultimate 4WD Disc Brake Rotors are 365mm in diameter and feature a ‘Diamond Tip Slot’ that allows gases to escape in demanding driving situations, maintaining braking performance.
Other benefits of the rotors include High Carbon Metallurgy which improves noise dampening while lowering thermal conductivity. Additionally, the rotors feature SwiftFit surface protection allowing them to be fitted without cleaning or anti-rust oil treatment.
Complementing the rotors are the proven Ultimate 4WD Brake Pads which have been specially designed for use with slotted rotors. Also included is a Mechanical Retention System (MRS) backing plate, which improves pad attachment strength in demanding operating conditions.
Another important component of the front kit is the Bendix 6-Piston calipers – with additional pistons compared to OEM calipers, greater pressure is applied to the brake pads.
SAEj1401-approved Ultimate 4WD Brake Hoses, a litre of Bendix Heavy Duty Brake Fluid, a can of Bendix Clean-up, a tube of Ceramasil brake parts lubricant and a 60 litre Bendix branded icebox are also included.
Rear Ultimate 4WD Big Brake Upgrade kit with drum to disc conversion
The rear kit is a full drum to disc conversion package, that removes all OE drum assembly and replaces it with the Bendix Ultimate 4WD disc rotors and hydraulic calipers. Installation requires the removal of all components from the vehicle axles, which is why the kit comes complete with replacement bearings and seals (ABS rings and collars depending on vehicle model).
The kit also includes a replacement park brake mechanism that’s actuated using the OE park brake cable, Bendix Brake Hoses, Ultimate 4WD Brake Pads and all the ancillary components and accessories mentioned for the front kits.
Meeting ADRs
All kits are 100 per cent legal and comply with Australian Design Rules. Some legal variances from state to state mean that in certain locations (VIC, NSW, ACT, SA and TAS), an engineering inspection will be required to ensure the kits have been installed properly and are functioning correctly, after which a mod plate will be issued.
For owners in QLD and WA, Bendix have a pre-authorised LG1 certificate, and all that’s required after fitment is to advise the registration authority.
For further information including vehicle suitability details, real world test data and FAQs, visit bendix.com.au.