Bendix releases Electric Park Brake with Drum-to-Disc conversion for N80 Hilux 4x4

Owners of Toyota’s popular N80 (2015 – onwards) 4x4 Hilux can now enjoy significantly improved braking performance, thanks to Bendix’s new Ultimate 4WD™ Electric Park Brake (EPB) with Drum-to-Disc conversion kit.

Bendix is improving the braking performance of N80 (2015-onwards) Hilux 4x4 vehicles, with the release of the new Ultimate 4WD™ Electric Park Brake with Drum-to-Disc conversion kit.

A key feature of the upgrade is the ‘auto on’ capability of the EPB, which allows the park brake to be configured to actuate under certain operating situations including when any cabin door is open (with speed below 10 km/h), when the vehicle is placed in ‘park’ or when the engine is turned off.

This functionality adds an extra layer of safety and convenience for the driver. The EPB can of course also be manually engaged by using the neat OE-style cabin switch. Additionally, the unit features a ‘service mode’ to wind back the EPB to allow for brake pad change – there are instructions detailing this process provided within each kit, and on the Bendix website.

The kit includes all the parts and components required for the conversion, in the convenience of a single package.

The EPB element of the kit provides far superior incline holding ability for the N80 Hilux, particularly when coupled to a caravan, boat or tradie trailer full of materials and equipment. This extra surety comes courtesy of rear left and right single piston calipers that act on the rear disc brake rotors, minimising the likelihood of ‘roll aways’ on steep hills. The EPB’s bolt-on fitment complements the existing OE park brake, with no change to the vehicle’s hydraulic mechanism, pad shape and original park brake required.

The EPB is manually engaged via a neat OE-style cabin switch.

Along with the benefits of the EPB, the overall kit delivers general braking improvements compared to the OE drum brake set-up, thanks to the included 312mm diameter Disc Brake Rotors which are provided as part of the Drum-to-Disc conversion.

The kit features all the required parts and componentry to undertake the upgrade in the convenience of a single package, including two single piston brake calipers with EPB functionality, Brake Rotors – in a choice of either plain faced or ‘X-slotted’ – an electric park brake control module, control switch, DB1200 disc brake pads and mounting brackets, Bendix Ultimate 4WD™ Brake Hoses, axle bearings, seals and wiring looms.

A key benefit of the EPB is its 'auto on' capability, which allows the brake to be configured to actuate under a range of operating conditions, such as when the vehicle is put in park, or when any cabin door is open.

Fitting the EPB and drum-to-disc conversion is simple for a mechanic or brake technician with detailed installation guidelines provided. Given the nature of the Disc-to-Drum aspect of the conversion, engineering signoff will be required for the upgrade at completion.

Bendix’s new Ultimate 4WD™ Electric Park Brake and Drum-to-Disc conversion is an easy and cost-effective way to maximise the braking capabilities of the N80 Toyota Hilux.

The rear Drum-to-Disc conversion allows the buyer to select from either a plain faced or 'X-slotted' rotor. Both are 312mm in diameter.

Key benefits summary:

• Vastly improved holding ability on inclines even when towing, reduce the likelihood of roll aways thanks to the EPB
• ‘Auto-on’ functionality under prescribed operating parameters for added safety and convenience
• Complements existing OE park brake needed
• Neat OE-style button to engage and disengage the EPB
• Self-adjusting for easy maintenance
• Improved general vehicle braking performance thanks to drum-to-disc conversion
• Comprehensive all-in-one kit – everything needed is in the box
• Simple to install for a qualified mechanic or brake tech
• Cost effective braking solution

Together the EPB and Drum-to-Disc conversion provide greatly improved general braking performance, as well as more holding power on hills, even when towing heavy caravans or trailers.