Bendix Ultimate & Ultimate+ Brakes: Your Upgrade Guide

When it comes to vehicle performance, many enthusiasts immediately think of engine power or suspension upgrades. However, one critical area often overlooked, yet fundamental to safety and control, is the braking system. Your brakes are your first line of defence, especially when navigating challenging terrains, towing heavy loads, or simply driving in unpredictable urban environments. Bendix, a renowned name in automotive braking, offers a range of solutions designed to significantly enhance your vehicle's stopping capabilities. This article delves into two of their standout offerings: the Bendix Ultimate 4WD Brake Upgrade Kit and the Bendix Ultimate+ high-performance brake pads.

Understanding the Bendix Ultimate 4WD Brake Upgrade Kit

The Bendix Ultimate 4WD Brake Upgrade Kit is specifically engineered for the demands of four-wheel-drive vehicles, particularly those that frequently tow or carry heavy loads. It's not just a simple pad and rotor replacement; it's a comprehensive system designed to provide a substantial improvement in braking performance over standard OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) components. For anyone with an older 4x4, like a 120 Series Toyota Prado, where factory brakes might start to feel inadequate under stress, this kit presents a compelling solution.

The kit is typically offered in front and rear configurations, allowing for a complete overhaul of your vehicle's braking system. What makes this kit truly 'ultimate' is the synergy of its components, each playing a vital role in delivering superior stopping power and feel. When your OEM rotors are due for replacement, considering an upgrade like this makes sound financial sense, often being comparable in cost to, or just slightly above, premium OEM parts, but with significantly enhanced performance benefits.

What's Inside the Box?

The Bendix Ultimate 4WD Brake Upgrade Kit comes meticulously packaged, with the front kit even arriving in a handy 60L Bendix icebox – a thoughtful bonus! Inside, you'll find everything required for a complete brake upgrade:

• 2 x Bendix Ultimate 4WD Brake Rotors: These aren't your standard rotors. They are designed for durability and optimal heat dissipation, crucial for heavy-duty applications. Their unique design includes slots and dimples that do not go all the way through, preventing the trapping of dirt, mud, and debris – a significant advantage for off-road enthusiasts.
• 2 x Pairs of Bendix Ultimate 4WD Ceramic Brake Pads: These high-performance ceramic pads are formulated to work seamlessly with the Ultimate rotors, providing consistent friction and excellent fade resistance. A key feature is the inclusion of a titanium element, meaning no bedding-in process is required post-installation, allowing for instant friction.
• Ultimate Braided Brake Hoses: This is a game-changer. Standard rubber brake lines can expand under pressure, leading to a spongy pedal feel and reduced braking efficiency. Braided lines eliminate this flex, ensuring a more direct and responsive pedal feel, translating to increased braking power and control.
• Brake Fluid: Essential for any brake system overhaul, ensuring proper hydraulic function.
• 1 x Spray Can of Brake Clean-up Fluid: For thorough cleaning of components during installation.
• 1 x Packet of Rotor Wipes: To ensure rotors are pristine before pad installation.
• 1 x Tube of Ceramasil Brake Part Lubricant: To prevent squealing and ensure smooth operation of brake components.

While home mechanics can certainly undertake the installation, given the critical nature of braking systems, it's often recommended to have these kits fitted by experienced professionals at a reputable workshop.

Real-World Performance: Is the Ultimate 4WD Kit Worth It?

The true test of any automotive upgrade lies in its real-world performance. Rod Chapman's review of the Bendix Ultimate 4WD Brake Upgrade Kit fitted to his 2007 Toyota Prado offers a compelling case study. His experience highlights the significant improvements over the factory brakes, which, while adequate for daily town driving, quickly reached their limits when the vehicle was loaded with camping gear, 4x4 accessories, or towing a camper trailer.

To objectively assess the upgrade, Rod conducted brake tests both before and after the installation, under near-identical conditions. The results were quite revealing:

• Stopping Distance Reduction: From 60km/h, the average stopping distance decreased by an impressive 13.5 per cent. From 80km/h, the improvement was even more dramatic, with a reduction of 21.8 per cent. These figures represent a substantial gain in safety, potentially making the difference in an emergency situation.

Beyond the numbers, the "seat-of-pants" feel was equally important. While the Bendix system maintained a nice, progressive nature without an excessive initial bite, there was a noticeable increase in feedback at the pedal. The brakes felt appreciably stronger, instilling greater confidence behind the wheel.

The new Bendix braided brake lines played a pivotal role in this enhanced performance. By eliminating the flex inherent in standard rubber lines, they ensure that more of the hydraulic pressure is directly translated to the calipers, resulting in a firmer pedal and more immediate response. This combination of superior rotors, advanced ceramic pads, and braided lines delivers a truly integrated and powerful braking solution.

Towing and Off-Road Advantages

For those who tow, the benefits are particularly pronounced. Even with a relatively light camper trailer, the additional weight puts considerable strain on the tow vehicle's brakes. Rod's previous "oh-my-god, buttock-clenching moments" when needing to stop quickly with a loaded rig became a thing of the past. The extra power and consistency of the Bendix system meant pulling up faster and with far greater confidence.

Off-road, the enhanced feel and control are equally valuable. When navigating steep descents or technical terrain, precise braking adjustments are crucial. The Bendix setup allowed for easier and more secure modulation, providing an improved sense of control. The clever design of the rotors, with their non-through slots and dimples, also means they won't trap mud and debris, maintaining consistent performance even in challenging conditions.

In summary, while not a "night-and-day" contrast, the Bendix Ultimate 4WD Brake Upgrade Kit represents an appreciable and significant lift in braking performance, making it a worthy investment for any 4x4 owner looking to enhance safety and control.

Introducing Bendix Ultimate+ High-Performance Pads

Building on the success of their Ultimate range, Bendix has introduced the Ultimate+ high-performance brake pads. These pads are designed for drivers seeking the absolute pinnacle of braking performance in a street-legal application. They represent a step up from the already impressive Ultimate pads, offering even greater stopping power and advanced features.

Key Features of Ultimate+ Pads:

• Advanced Ceramic Formulation: The core of the Ultimate+ pad's superior performance lies in its advanced ceramic compound. This formulation delivers exceptional stopping power, even under extreme conditions, and contributes to increased resistance to brake fade at higher temperatures.
• Low Dust Generation: A common complaint with high-performance pads can be excessive brake dust. The Ultimate+ pads are engineered to omit low dust, helping to keep your wheels cleaner for longer – a welcome aesthetic and maintenance benefit.
• Lower Braking Noise: Nobody wants squealing brakes. Bendix has designed the Ultimate+ pads to minimise braking noise, ensuring a quiet and comfortable driving experience, even with their high-performance capabilities.
• Greater Resistance to Brake Fade: Whether it's repeated hard braking on winding roads or handling the demands of a spirited drive, the Ultimate+ pads maintain consistent performance. Even at the end of a hot lap (though not exclusively for track use), they deliver a consistent brake pedal feel, inspiring absolute confidence.
• Bendix Blue Titanium Stripe: A signature feature of many Bendix pads, the Blue Titanium Stripe ensures instant friction from the moment they are installed. This eliminates the need for a traditional brake bedding-in process, allowing you to experience optimal performance straight away.
• Proprietary Brake Shims: For further noise and vibration reduction, Ultimate+ pads come equipped with Bendix's proprietary brake shims, featuring a nitrile rubber coating. These shims act as a dampener, enhancing driving comfort.
• Designed for Slotted Rotors: While compatible with standard rotors, the Ultimate+ pads are specifically designed to maximise performance when paired with slotted rotors, such as those found in the Bendix Ultimate 4WD kit.

The Bendix Ultimate+ pads are a testament to Bendix Australia's continuous innovation, drawing on their latest OEM research and development experience to bring cutting-edge products to the aftermarket.

Ultimate vs. Ultimate+: Choosing Your Bendix Brake Solution

With two excellent high-performance options, how do you decide between the Bendix Ultimate 4WD Brake Upgrade Kit (which includes Ultimate pads) and the standalone Ultimate+ pads? The choice largely depends on your specific vehicle, driving style, and requirements.

Here's a comparative overview to help you decide:

If you own a 4x4 and regularly load it up, tow, or venture off-road, the comprehensive Bendix Ultimate 4WD Brake Upgrade Kit is likely your best bet. It addresses the entire braking system, providing a holistic and robust solution. The inclusion of braided brake hoses is a significant factor in achieving the improved pedal feel and response.

If you're looking for a standalone pad upgrade for a performance-oriented car or simply want the best possible pad performance for your daily driver, and your existing rotors are in good condition (ideally slotted), then the Bendix Ultimate+ pads are an excellent choice. They offer a tangible step up in stopping power, fade resistance, and refinement over many aftermarket and even some OEM pads.

Why Prioritise Brake Upgrades?

It's easy to get caught up in the pursuit of more horsepower or torque. However, as the saying goes, "power is nothing without control." And a huge part of control comes down to how effectively you can stop your vehicle. Many people immediately target power and torque upgrades to boost the performance of their 4x4 – engine chips, exhausts, that sort of thing – but to me, it makes so much more sense to get the vehicle stopping better first.

Investing in a high-quality brake upgrade like the Bendix Ultimate 4WD kit or Ultimate+ pads isn't just about performance; it's fundamentally about safety. Shorter stopping distances, improved pedal feel, and greater fade resistance all contribute to a safer driving experience for you, your passengers, and other road users. For family off-roaders, those who tow, or indeed any driver who values peace of mind, these Bendix kits simply make sense.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Do I need to bed in Bendix Ultimate or Ultimate+ pads?
A: No, thanks to the Bendix Blue Titanium Stripe (or titanium element in the Ultimate 4WD pads), these pads offer instant friction without the need for a lengthy bedding-in process. You can experience optimal performance straight away.

Q: Can I fit these Bendix kits myself?
A: While technically possible for experienced home mechanics, given the critical nature of braking systems, it is highly recommended to have Bendix brake upgrade kits and pads fitted by qualified professionals. This ensures correct installation, proper bleeding, and adherence to safety standards.

Q: Are Bendix Ultimate+ pads suitable for all cars?
A: Bendix Ultimate+ pads are designed as high-performance pads. While they offer benefits to many vehicles, it's always best to check Bendix's product catalogue or consult with a stockist to ensure compatibility with your specific make and model. They are particularly effective when paired with slotted rotors.

Q: What are braided brake hoses and why are they beneficial?
A: Braided brake hoses are reinforced with a stainless steel mesh, making them far more resistant to expansion under hydraulic pressure compared to standard rubber hoses. This resistance eliminates the 'spongy' pedal feel that can occur with rubber lines, leading to a firmer, more responsive brake pedal and more direct transfer of braking force to the calipers, ultimately improving braking power and control.

Q: How often should I inspect my brakes?
A: It's advisable to have your brakes inspected regularly, typically as part of your vehicle's scheduled service. However, if you notice any changes in braking performance, such as reduced stopping power, a spongy pedal, grinding noises, or excessive squealing, have them checked immediately by a professional.

Conclusion

Upgrading your vehicle's braking system with Bendix Ultimate solutions is a sensible and highly effective investment. Whether you opt for the comprehensive Bendix Ultimate 4WD Brake Upgrade Kit to transform your off-roader's stopping power, or choose the Bendix Ultimate+ pads for superior high-performance street braking, you're investing in enhanced safety, control, and driving confidence. Don't compromise when it comes to stopping; choose Bendix and experience the difference.

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