Terrain Tamer has the fix for dodgy LandCruiser handbrakes

Most four-wheel drivers are aware of the reputation of the 70 Series LandCruiser handbrake.

For more years than I can remember the handbrake on the Cruiser, no matter what model of 70 Series, is so close to useless it’s a joke to call it a brake at all. Over the years there have been several modifications and accessories developed in an attempt to rectify the situation, but most have been pretty ho-hum, with little improvement to the handbrake’s performance.

Finally, somebody has tackled the problem and come up with a solution that is close to perfect. Terrain Tamer has released the Electric Secondary Park Brake (ESPB), which is a complete additional parking brake that is electrically actuated. It’s designed to work in addition to the OEM handbrake, not just used in isolation.

8

The complete kit consists of a wiring loom, control module, switch and, most important of all, two EPCB calipers. While these calipers operate as your normal disc brakes, they also function as an electrically operated handbrake on the standard brake disc on the rear wheels, leaving the factory fitted handbrake to still engage with the drum-in-disc brake – for what it is worth.

We’ve had a unit fitted to our hard-working 79 Cruiser for a few months now and while a good mechanically minded person could fit it in around five to six hours, we left it to the experts to do the job. Fitment requires electrical wiring work to be done under the bonnet and behind the dash, and the OE brake calipers are removed and replaced with the new units. It should be noted that the new calipers use OE-size rotors and pads, so there is no need to replace pads unless, of course, they are worn and require replacing anyway.

There are a couple of things to be aware of during the fitting procedure. Firstly, ensure there is good pressure and feel from the brake pedal after you have changed the calipers and bled the system.

Secondly, if the electrical connections are made in the wrong sequence, you will need to reset the motors in each of the new calipers. This isn’t a particularly difficult job but it highlights the importance of following the installation procedure correctly, and in sequence. There’s an installation video on the Terrain Tamer website.

Thirdly, like with any wiring that is routed underneath a 4x4 vehicle, you need to ensure it is up and out of the way, and protected as much as possible from any flying stones or debris that you’ll encounter on an off-road trip.

8

Once the wiring has been connected, the ESPB is a plug and play operation, with the unit’s switch on the dash operating the extra handbrake. The existing handbrake warning light also illuminates when the ESPB is operated, and the brakes stay engaged when the ignition is switched off.

This extra park brake doesn’t come cheap but if you are like a mate of mine who only just managed to stop his Troopy sliding into the drink while retrieving his boat at a ramp, then a couple of grand is a bloody good investment. Not to mention the necessity of a decent handbrake when you need to do a hill start in steep mountain country. There are lots of other reasons too, which makes this accessory a handy safety item.

RRP: $2719.20
Warranty: Two-year/40,000km warranty