Find My Brake Upgrade - Mazda BT-50

Homegrown doesn’t get much better than the well-loved Mazda BT-50 utility that made significant inroads into the Australian market following its launch in 2011.

As platform siblings, the Ford Ranger and Mazda BT-50 were developed together as part of a Ford-Australia led joint venture. But rather than just engineer a new badge as a means of differentiating the pair, the Australian input allowed engineers to tailor the platform to the local market.

By opting for different bodywork, specific suspension settings, and even details like a faster steering rack, engineers were able to develop a ute that, while being similar to the Ranger, was different enough for buyers to be able to make a meaningful choice.

And owners appreciated the differences, with drivers praising their BT-50s as roomy and practical with a strong engine and excellent off-road and towing ability. Hence it was not surprising that Australians chose the BT-50 in impressive numbers, so much so, that the local market became the best-selling region for the Mazda utility.

From the outset, the BT-50’s success in Australia has been underpinned by a well thought out, yet dynamic model lineup that has continued to expand to meet the demands of an ever-changing market.

This has seen the BT-50 range grow from the early UP model-lineup of cab-chassis and dual-cab one-tonne utes, to include single- and extra-cabs, offered with a choice of turbo-diesel powertrains - a 110kW 2.4 litre 4-cylinder or 3.2 litre 147kW 5-cylinder, mated to 6-speed manual or automatic transmissions - and offered with three grades of trim with two- or all-wheel-drive. By 2020 the range had grown to 26 variants.

Even though the range of BT-50 utes underwent two updates from 2011 through to 2020 the tried and trusted powertrain remained mostly untouched. Instead, Mazda focused on updates that kept the vehicle’s styling current and appealing, such as the 2015 UR facelift that saw a new grille and lights, and an upgraded 7.8cm high definition infotainment screen that enhanced the user experience.

The UP/ UR BT-50 will always be remembered in Australian motoring history. Not only for growing Mazda’s market share in the region but also as the last vehicle to come out of the collaboration with Ford. So while the ute nameplate continues in the footsteps of its rugged and versatile forbearers, the new BT-50 now shares its lineage with the Isuzu D-Max.

Nevertheless, having gained thousands of loyal followers the UP and UR BT-50s will be seen on Australian roads for many years to come, and to meet the varied demands of this versatile ute’s drivers, Bendix offers a range of quality brake upgrade products that enhance the vehicle’s braking performance and durability under all driving conditions.

Bendix Brake Upgrades for the Mazda BT-50 UP/ UR

To complement the Mazda BT-50’s flexibility, Bendix offers a range of quality brake components such as Heavy Duty and 4WD brake pads as well as Ultimate Brake Disc Rotors. And for added peace of mind, Bendix also supplies upgrade kits such as the Ultimate 4WD Upgrade Kit and the Ultimate 4WD Rear Brake Drum Kit.

The Bendix Ultimate 4WD Brake Upgrade Kit is the definitive brake upgrade to meet 4WD and work utes’ stopping needs. The kit includes Ultimate Front rotors, Front pads, and Front and Rear braided brake hoses which can also be purchased in 2-inch and 4-inch lift extended brake line versions. It also contains Bendix brake fluid, brake cleaner, rotor wipes, and a tube of brake lubricant - all packaged in a handy 4WD carry case.

Fitted to a standard BT-50 the upgrade offers improved brake performance and pedal-feel whilst also reducing the accumulation of brake dust – on-road or off. And if like so many Bt-50 owners, you’ve fitted your Mazda ute with all the kit you need to suit your lifestyle or work requirements – such as a canopy, winch, nudge-bar, and even extra spare wheels – you simply cannot do without the Bendix Ultimate 4WD Brake Upgrade Kit.

The Bendix Ultimate 4WD Brake Upgrade Kit is designed to deal with the increased braking demands created by the extra weight that would normally significantly increase the stopping distance. By fitting the kit you not only improve the stopping distance but on steep descents, heat build-up, and the related brake fade are reduced, while the braided lines maintain pedal-feel under all conditions – whether on a trail in the outback or towing a heavy load in dense city traffic.

To take braking performance to the next level Bendix has developed the Ultimate 4WD Rear Brake Drum Kit. This easy-to-fit kit gives you absolute control when braking in extreme conditions with instant response and constant friction across a wide operating range

Fully interchangeable with your Mazda BT-50’s OEM system, Bendix’s comprehensive kit comes complete with an Ultimate 4WD Brake Shoe Kit, Ultimate 4WD Brake Drums, and a can of Bendix Cleanup.

Designed to meet Australia’s tough 4WD conditions, Bendix’s Ultimate 4WD Brake Shoe Kit delivers increased stopping power when you need it most. Bendix brake shoes are manufactured to withstand heat build-up that comes from frequent braking in heavy city traffic one day and towing or outback driving the next

And to complement the performance of the Ultimate 4WD Brake Shoes, Bendix has developed the Ultimate 4WD Brake Drum. Manufactured to the highest level of precision engineering based on OEM specifications, the Ultimate 4WD Brake Drums incorporate innovative technology such as High Carbon Metallurgy for increased braking performance, SwiftFit protective zinc coating, and durable Epoxy Coated Hub to give your BT-50 a great look.

Although the Bendix Ultimate 4WD Brake Upgrade Kit and Ultimate 4WD Rear Brake Drum Kit are sold and can be fitted separately, upgrading your UP/ UR Mazda BT-50 with both kits gives you peace of mind that, not only do you have safe, reliable braking under all conditions in any terrain, but with the systems complementing each other, performance and reliability are optimized – even more so, with vehicles carrying or towing heavy loads.

Never get caught out by brakes that aren’t quite up to the job. Fitting a Bendix brake upgrade kit to your Mazda BT-50 means you can confidently and safely go anywhere, anytime, in all conditions.

Find out more about the Bendix Ultimate 4WD Brake Upgrade Kit click HERE, and for the Ultimate 4WD Rear Brake Drum Kit visit Bendix over HERE.

To find your nearest Bendix stockist, click HERE.

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