How to fix the 76, 78 and 79 Series LandCruiser handbrake properly?

It’s common knowledge that the LandCruiser handbrake is less effective than a 1st year apprentice on a Monday morning. This is a shame. The rest of the vehicle is rock solid and super reliable. Well, Bendix has just released a product that they claim will fix the problem, of having a poorly performing handbrake on the 70 Series platform once and for all.

What’s the story?

Bendix has developed and recently released a new Electric Park Brake (EPB) for the insanely popular 76, 78 and 79 Series LandCruiser range. This offers a completely ‘bolt-on’ solution that actually works alongside the existing Toyota park brake. No change to the vehicle’s hydraulic mechanism is required. Nor a change to the pad shape or original park brake system.

How does the handbrake work?

To provide additional holding ability, the Bendix EPB features rear left and right single-piston calipers. These act on the rear disc brake rotors, minimising the likelihood of ‘rollaways’ on steep hills. A scenario that can be worse when the vehicle is heavily loaded or towing.

For added versatility, the brake can also be configured for ‘auto-on’ application such as when the driver’s door is open or if a door on the service body is left open. The EPB also has a ‘service mode’ to wind back the EPB to allow for brake pad change – there is a card detailing this process provided within each kit.

How hard is the installation?

Fitting the EPB is simple for a mechanic or brake technician with detailed installation guidelines provided. As a bonus, the vehicle’s ADR compliance is maintained and requires no engineering sign-off once the job is complete.

Included in each kit are two brake calipers with EPB functionality, a wiring loom, an electronic control module, an attractive OEM-style control switch for dashboard installation and one pair of DB1200 Ultimate 4WD Brake Pads.