After upgrading the GVM on my Isuzu D-MAX, it made sense to look at the next most important part of the setup – stopping power.

Bigger loads mean more strain on the brakes, and with more off-road adventures on the cards, I wanted a braking system that could handle the heat, dust and rugged terrain of Australia’s outback. That’s when I turned to Bendix and its Ultimate 4WD Brake Upgrade Kit. Installed by the team at Opposite Lock Wodonga, the experience didn’t just stop at improved performance – I was lucky enough to watch the full installation from start to finish.

JUMP AHEAD

Why upgrade?

Upgrading a GVM allows you to carry more gear legally, but it also adds significant weight to your setup.

That extra weight affects stopping distances, increases brake temperatures and can lead to fade when the going gets tough. The factory braking system on the D-MAX performs well for standard loads, but throw in a canopy, drawer system, dual batteries, long-range tank, rooftop tent and all the recovery gear, and you’re suddenly asking a lot more from your brakes than they were designed to handle.

That’s where the Bendix Ultimate 4WD Brake Upgrade Kit steps in – a purpose-built system designed for touring rigs that work hard both on and off the bitumen.

What you get in the Bendix Ultimate 4WD kit

Bendix designed this upgrade as a complete, vehicle-specific package rather than a random mix of aftermarket parts.

Everything you need comes in one box – or, in this case, one ice box – containing rotors, pads, braided lines, fluid and all the accessories. It’s a clever bit of branding, and yes, the 60-litre ice box is absolutely reusable at camp to keep the beers cold, or at home when resting a smoked brisket. The main components are:

  • High-carbon slotted rotors: Engineered for better thermal stability and heat dissipation. The slots and dimples help clear gas, water and mud, maintaining consistent friction in harsh off-road conditions.
  • Ultimate 4WD brake pads: Made with a heavy-duty ceramic formulation, they offer strong, consistent bite with reduced noise and dust – something that’s especially welcome on long road trips. They also feature Bendix’s MRS (Mechanical Retention System), which keeps the pad material locked to the backing plate even under extreme conditions.
  • Braided brake hoses: A significant upgrade from standard rubber lines, these stainless-steel braided hoses provide a firmer pedal feel and enhanced resistance to expansion when temperatures rise.
  • Heavy-duty brake fluid and accessories: The kit includes Bendix brake fluid, cleaning wipes, lubricant and all mounting hardware, making it a genuine plug-and-play solution.

For the D-MAX, Bendix has tailored the setup to match factory specifications, so everything bolts straight on – no cutting, grinding or modification. Exactly what you want for a professional install and peace of mind on the road.

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Installation at Opposite Lock Wodonga

The crew at Opposite Lock Wodonga have fitted countless 4×4 upgrades, but they were clearly impressed by the Bendix kit.

Massi, the technician who handled my install, commented that it was one of the most complete kits he’d worked with – everything needed was included in the box, except the tools. The process began with removing the factory rotors, pads and lines. Each hub surface was cleaned thoroughly to ensure a perfect mounting face for the new rotors.

The slotted rotors went on next, followed by the Ultimate pads after lubricating the required points with Ceramasil Brake Parts Lubricant. The braided lines were carefully routed and secured, with Massi double-checking that they cleared the suspension components and wouldn’t rub at full steering lock.

Bendix Cleanup Brakes & Parts Cleaner was then used to remove any residue from the rotors and fittings. Once everything was torqued to spec, the system was bled with fresh DOT 4 fluid until the pedal felt firm and responsive. The whole job took around three hours, and it was clear the kit had been designed to fit correctly from the start – no fiddling, no mismatched parts, just a straightforward install done right.

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On- and off-road performance

Once installed, the improvement in stopping power was immediately noticeable. Pedal feel was firmer, braking response more linear, and the D-MAX pulled up with confidence even when fully loaded.

On the blacktop, the Bendix Ultimate kit delivered smoother, quieter braking. In everyday driving, there was none of the squeal or vibration that sometimes comes with performance pads. Instead, it felt controlled, progressive and predictable.

Off-road is where the real test began. Steep descents, loose gravel and technical climbs put any braking system under pressure, but the Bendix kit handled it all with ease. One standout feature was how well the brakes integrated with the D-MAX’s existing systems. When the Emergency Brake Assist (a feature I could happily do without) kicked in, there was no screech or chatter – just smooth, consistent braking. The ABS and traction control systems also worked seamlessly with the new setup, providing confident control on steep, rugged terrain.

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Even after repeated braking on long downhill runs, there was no noticeable fade. The ventilated rotors kept temperatures in check, while the advanced friction materials maintained consistent grip and modulation. It gave me confidence that, no matter the conditions, the D-MAX could stop safely and effectively.

Bendix designed the Ultimate 4WD range with the harsh realities of outback touring in mind. From dusty desert tracks to muddy creek crossings, these brakes are built to resist corrosion, shed water and mud quickly, and maintain stopping power under load. The high-carbon metallurgy of the rotors improves heat dissipation and strength, while the multi-layered shim technology in the pads reduces noise and vibration. The result is a system that feels refined on-road and unshakably tough off-road.

After putting them through their paces on everything from the High Country to the corrugations of the Canning Stock Route, I can safely say these brakes have transformed the way the D-MAX performs when the going gets steep, rough or slippery.

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Maintenance and longevity

A sound brake system relies on proper maintenance, and Bendix has made that straightforward.

Using the Cleanup Brake and Parts Cleaner along with Ceramasil Lubricant helps keep everything performing at its best. The DOT 4 high-performance brake fluid also ensures reliable braking under heavy loads and high temperatures – essential for long touring trips with a GVM-upgraded rig carrying extra weight. Rotors and pads will eventually wear, as they all do, but based on Bendix’s track record I expect them to last well and perform consistently between services.

Verdict

What really sets the Bendix Ultimate 4WD kit apart is how well it’s tailored to modern touring setups.

This isn’t a generic upgrade – it’s built for the realities of GVM upgrades, larger tyres and the extra weight that comes with canopy setups, roof tents and off-grid gear. Bendix has drawn on decades of experience in the braking industry to create a system that delivers OEM-level smoothness with a noticeable boost in performance. It’s engineered, tested and proven for Australian conditions – and you can tell.

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The Bendix Ultimate 4WD Brake Upgrade Kits are available through Bendix stockists right across Australia, making them easy to source no matter where you’re based. Whether you’re fitting them yourself or having them installed by a professional, support and spare parts are never far away.

Upgrading to the Bendix Ultimate 4WD Brake Upgrade Kit was one of the best decisions I’ve made since fitting the GVM upgrade. It’s a complete, well-engineered solution that boosts confidence behind the wheel and makes the D-MAX safer and more capable in every driving situation.

Whether you’re towing, touring or tackling the most challenging off-road tracks, these brakes deliver reliable performance and peace of mind. Bendix has nailed it with this kit, and it’s an upgrade I’d recommend to any serious four-wheel driver who wants their stopping power to match their vehicle’s performance.

RRP: $1199

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