03/03/2014
Bendix Brakes and DBA Rotors: A Winning Combination
Navigating the challenging descent of Clyde Mountain on NSW’s Kings Highway (B52) demands a reliable braking system. This steep, winding road, with its sheer rock faces and precipitous valleys, puts immense pressure on a vehicle's brakes. Recently, a fully loaded Hilux towing a camper trailer, faced with an unexpected situation involving a slow-moving learner driver on a blind corner, had to execute an emergency brake. The outcome was safe, but the brakes suffered the consequences, with melted wheel-nut indicators and a perceptible shudder upon cooling.
This incident prompted a serious consideration for a brake upgrade. Seeking advice from experienced mechanics and rally drivers – individuals who push their vehicles and brakes to the limit – the consensus was clear: opt for Bendix 4WD/SUV brake pads and pair them with Disc Brakes Australia (DBA) 4x4 Survival slotted rotors for the front. The suggestion even extended to upgrading the rear drums to discs, a testament to the importance of a well-rounded braking system.
The Power of Bendix: Performance and Endurance
Bendix has a long and distinguished history in the automotive brake industry, manufacturing in Australia since 1955. As Australia's premier manufacturer of brake pads and the largest producer of friction material, Bendix has built a reputation for quality and performance. The 4WD/SUV range of brake pads is specifically engineered for enhanced performance and endurance, making them ideal for demanding applications such as towing, off-roading, and frequent stop-start city driving.
Our mechanic and rally driver mates consistently praised Bendix pads for their effectiveness. A significant advantage is that they require no bedding-in, meaning they are ready to perform from the moment they are fitted. This is crucial for drivers who might encounter sudden braking scenarios. The resilience of Bendix brakes is further underscored by the fact that none of our off-road enthusiasts had experienced a failure with these pads. This high performance is attributed to technological innovations and advanced friction materials, facilitated by Bendix's affiliation with Honeywell, a global leader in aerospace technology. While the technicalities might be complex, the reassurance of aerospace-grade backing is undeniably compelling.
Matching Pads with Rotors: The DBA Advantage
The effectiveness of any braking system hinges on the compatibility between the brake pads and the rotors. Fortunately, Bendix brake pads are an excellent match for DBA's 4x4 Survival series slotted rotors. DBA rotors are renowned for their superior heat management capabilities, a critical factor in preventing brake fade and maintaining stopping power during prolonged or heavy braking.
Slotted rotors, unlike standard OE (Original Equipment Manufacturer) rotors, offer increased cooling capacity. This is achieved through a clever design that allows for better airflow and heat dissipation. DBA's innovation in this area is particularly noteworthy with their 'kangaroo paw' rotor ventilation system, designed and manufactured in Australia. This unique system features 144 diamond- and teardrop-shaped pillars and columns between the rotor surfaces. These not only assist in dissipating heat but also significantly increase the rotor's resistance to warping, a common issue with standard rotors under extreme heat.
According to DBA, their 'kangaroo paw' rotors can be up to 20 per cent cooler than straight-vane rotors. The distinctive pattern of these pillars and columns mimics a kangaroo's paw print, giving the system its memorable name. Beyond cooling, the curved slots in DBA rotors play a crucial role in dampening vibration, leading to a quieter and smoother braking experience. Furthermore, these slots provide more exit points for gases generated during braking, which in turn enhances the friction between the pad and the rotor. In essence, DBA slotted rotors are engineered to deliver high performance in situations demanding continuous heavy braking, such as descending steep inclines or towing heavy loads – precisely the conditions that led to our initial brake issues.
DBA Rotor Series: Tailored for Your Needs
DBA offers two models within their 4x4 Survival series of rotors, catering to different levels of demand:
| Feature | T2 Slot Design | T3 Slot Design |
|---|---|---|
| Target User | Daily driver with occasional towing and off-road use. | Serious off-road or heavy towing applications. |
| Slot Design | Entry-level slot design. | More advanced slot design. |
| Heat Treatment | Standard. | Enhanced heat treatment for extreme heat resistance. |
| Performance Focus | Improved all-round braking performance for varied conditions. | Optimised for extreme heat and pressure in demanding motorsport or heavily loaded vehicles. |
For our Hilux, the T2 slot design was recommended as the optimal choice, balancing everyday usability with enhanced capability for towing and occasional demanding drives. This choice ensured a significant upgrade without being overly aggressive for regular use.
The Verdict: A Transformative Upgrade
Following the installation of the Bendix 4WD/SUV brake pads and DBA T2 slotted rotors, the difference in braking performance was immediately apparent. Tested under various load conditions – unloaded, part-loaded, and fully loaded – the new setup delivered significantly more powerful and responsive braking. When combined with a REDARC Tow-Pro Classic Electric Brake Controller, the Hilux, even with the camper trailer attached, was stopping in approximately half the distance previously required. This was a truly impressive and confidence-inspiring improvement.
The enhanced stopping power has already proven its worth. Our co-driver, who frequently navigates challenging city traffic, reported an incident where being cut off by another driver was easily managed thanks to the renewed stopping capability, averting a potentially costly collision.
Embarking on an extensive 8000km trip from the Murray Mallee to Cape York and back, with numerous side excursions, including return trips along Clyde Mountain, has provided a thorough real-world test. Throughout this demanding journey, there has been no recurrence of the previous issues. The wheel-nut indicators remained intact, and the tell-tale brake shudder was conspicuously absent. The combination of Bendix pads and DBA rotors has earned the team's full approval, proving to be a reliable and high-performing setup.
Future Considerations: Rear Brake Upgrades
With the front braking system so dramatically improved, the next logical step is to address the rear brakes. The notoriously underperforming Toyota rear drums are a known limitation, and discussions are already underway with DBA about a potential rear brake upgrade. Eliminating this weak point would create a truly formidable and balanced braking system, further enhancing safety and performance.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do Bendix brakes fit rotors?
Yes, Bendix brake pads are designed to be compatible with a wide range of brake rotors, including those from other reputable manufacturers like DBA. The key is ensuring you select the correct pad type for your vehicle and the type of rotor you are using. In this case, Bendix 4WD/SUV pads were specifically recommended to be paired with DBA slotted rotors for optimal performance.
What is the advantage of slotted rotors?
Slotted rotors offer several advantages over standard solid or drilled rotors. The slots help to:
- Dissipate heat more effectively, reducing the risk of brake fade.
- Clean the pad surface, maintaining optimal friction.
- Allow gases produced during braking to escape, further improving pad-to-rotor contact.
- Reduce the risk of cracking compared to drilled rotors.
DBA's unique 'kangaroo paw' design enhances these benefits by increasing airflow and rotor strength.
Is bedding-in brake pads important?
Yes, bedding-in (or run-in) is a process that helps to evenly transfer a thin layer of pad material onto the rotor surface. This creates a more uniform surface for optimal friction and performance. However, Bendix 4WD/SUV pads are designed to require minimal to no bedding-in, offering immediate performance benefits.
Why did my wheel-nut indicators melt?
Wheel-nut indicators are typically made of plastic or a heat-sensitive material. Melting indicates that the wheel hub and surrounding components, including the brake rotors and calipers, have reached extremely high temperatures. This is a clear sign of severe brake overheating, often caused by prolonged or heavy braking.
Should I upgrade my rear drum brakes?
If your vehicle is equipped with rear drum brakes and you frequently tow or carry heavy loads, or if you live in a hilly area, upgrading to rear disc brakes can significantly improve your vehicle's overall braking performance, safety, and resistance to brake fade.
In conclusion, the synergy between Bendix brake pads and DBA slotted rotors provides a robust and highly effective braking solution for 4WD vehicles and those that tow. This upgrade not only enhances safety but also instils a greater sense of confidence when facing challenging driving conditions.
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