Getting the Prado ready for the big trip around the Coffs Harbour region.  We had a go at this last year, but unfortunately I got sick the first night and had to return home.

Before any trip I get the vehicle thoroughly serviced and everything checked.  I new my hadnbrake drum linings were getting low and the rear rotors had a lip on them, so I thought after almost 11 years I would replace them.

All went well until we tried to adjust the handbrake with all the new bits installed.  No matter what we did we could not get the handbrake to hold on the slightest of slopes.

After a lot of mucking about we found that the rear handbrake drums were’nt radius ground, so there was only a very small part of the linings actuall making contact with the drum.

I always run Lucas (TRW) pads in the Prado, they are absolutely the best pads out there, but unfortunately the rears are on back order, so when they arrive, we will have another go at getting everything working correctly.

See you out there!

Tip:

Water crossings can provide some of the most exhilarating and challenging 4WDriving around. They can also prove to be the most expensive! A 4x4 is not an amphibious vehicle, in fact they are not even waterproof. The actual depth that you can cross depends on your vehicle. For example, a stock LandCruiser may be submerged at the depth a raised Hilux doesn't even wet the door sills. As a general rule, if its above the top of your wheels its probably too deep. A water crossing should not be attempted by inexperienced or ill-prepared 4WDrivers. Prior to a water crossing, it is a good idea to place your recovery gear on top of other luggage. The last thing you want to do is be searching under your fridge, tents and luggage for your recovery gear when you are stuck in the middle of a crossing.