Find My Brake Upgrade – Nissan Navara

Named after the Navarre region of northern Spain, where the European version of Nissan’s popular ute is built, the second generation D40 Nissan Navara was launched into the Australian market in November 2005 as part of Nissan’s two-pronged light-truck strategy. This entailed pitching the D40 at the ‘lifestyle’ end of the ute segment with the older D22 model continuing to look after the more price-sensitive work-orientated sector.

The D40 Nissan utility was one of a new wave of one-tonne pickups. Compared to the rugged older workhorses it had a more modern look and feel, and was bigger, safer, stronger and more refined than any of its predecessors. Built on a ladder chassis, the combination of coil-spring independent front suspension with power rack-and-pinion steering, mated to a rigid rear axle on leaf springs gave the ute a level of ride and handling seldom seen in its class - and without compromising the payload capacity. The payload of the dual-cab pickup was 810 to 965 kg and it was rated to tow up to 3 tonnes.

From the outset, Nissan adapted and expanded the Navara’s model lineup to meet a constantly evolving market. So, while the D40 was initially only available as a dual-cab utility - single and extended king cabs and cab-chassis workhorses followed in 2008.

With the D40 now aimed at the growing recreational market as much as it was at the tradies who'd traditionally relied on the ute, it could be ordered in a wide range of trim options, with a choice of V6 petrol or 2.5 and 3.0-litre turbo-diesel engines mated to a 6-speed manual or 5- and 7-speed autos. The majority of the models were equipped with Nissan’s part-time four-wheel-drive that split the torque from driving the rear wheels only, to 50/50 front/rear at a twist of a dashboard knob. A low-ratio transfer box meant for serious four-wheel driving was also available.

In May 2015 Nissan ditched its two-model strategy of selling the D22 and D40 models side-by-side when it released the D23 NP300 Navara. Initially sold as a dual-cab ute in DX, RX, ST and ST-X variants, a king cab followed later in 2015. To cater for the traditional ‘tradesman’ market the NP300 was also offered as a cab chassis in dual cab, single cab and king cab models although only in DX and RX trim.

The NP300 could be ordered with either a 122 kW, 2.5-litre petrol engine mated to a 6-speed manual or 7-speed automatic transmission in the dual-cab 4X2, or with a brace of 2.3-litre turbo diesels - the 120 kW single turbo, or 140 kW twin-turbo driving through either a 6-speed manual or 7-speed automatic transmission.

Now fitted with a coil-sprung, five-link rear suspension – at least on dual-cab 4×4 variants – the dual-range four-wheel-drive system on the NP300 Navara came with a ‘shift-on-the-fly’ function that enabled the driver to switch between 2WD and 4WD (4H mode) at speeds of up to 100 km/h by turning a dial.

Nissan introduced two series updates, one in 2016 that was focused on updating the suspension and in-cabin features, and another in 2018 that saw the 2.5-litre petrol deleted from the range – the Diesel powertrains, however, remained untouched.

With car-like comfort and excellent ride and handling, ute-crazy Australians have embraced the Navara with open arms - particularly the 4WD dual cab that can often be seen on the road or outback fully kitted with nudge bar, winch and canopy.

Bendix Brake Upgrades for the D40 and NP300 Nissan Navara

With Navara owners exploring the limits of the ute many drivers are demanding a little extra from their brakes, particularly for those vehicles operating at the edge of the envelope.

With owners of these vehicles in mind, Bendix has developed a range of quality brake components such as Heavy Duty and 4WD brake pads as well as Ultimate Brake Disc Rotors. And for added peace of mind, Bendix also supplies Navara upgrade kits such as the high-performance Ultimate 4WD Upgrade Kit and the Ultimate 4WD Rear Brake Drum Kit.

The Bendix Ultimate 4WD Brake Upgrade kit is the definitive brake upgrade to meet 4WD and work utilities’ stopping needs. The kit includes everything you need to upgrade your Nissan utility - Ultimate Front rotors, front pads and front and rear braided brake hoses that can also be purchased as a 2-inch lift extended brake line option. It also contains Bendix brake fluid, brake cleaner, rotor wipes and a tube of brake lubricant - all packaged in a handy 4WD carry case.

Fitted to a standard Navara the upgrade offers improved brake performance and pedal-feel whilst also reducing the accumulation of brake dust – on-road or off. And if, like so many owners, you’ve fitted your Nissan ute with all the kit you need to suit your lifestyle or work requirements – such as a canopy, winch, nudge-bar and even extra spare wheels – you simply cannot do without the Bendix Ultimate 4WD Brake Upgrade Kit.

The Bendix Ultimate 4WD Brake Upgrade Kit is designed to deal with the increased braking demands created by the extra weight that would normally significantly increase the stopping distance. By fitting the kit you not only improve the stopping distance but on steep descents, heat build-up and the related brake fade are reduced, while the braided lines maintain pedal-feel under all conditions – whether on a trail in the outback or towing a heavy load in dense city traffic.

To take braking performance to the next level Bendix has developed the Ultimate 4WD Rear Brake Drum Kit. This easy-to-fit kit gives you absolute control when braking in extreme conditions with instant response and constant friction across a wide operating range

Fully interchangeable with your Navara’s OEM system, Bendix’s comprehensive kit comes complete with an Ultimate 4WD Brake Shoe Kit, Ultimate 4WD Brake Drums, and a can of Bendix Cleanup.

Designed to meet Australia’s tough 4WD conditions, Bendix’s Ultimate 4WD Brake Shoe Kit delivers increased stopping power when you need it most. Bendix brake shoes are manufactured to withstand heat build-up that comes from frequent braking in heavy city traffic one day and towing or outback driving the next

And to complement the performance of the Ultimate 4WD Brake Shoes, Bendix has developed the Ultimate 4WD Brake Drum. Manufactured to the highest level of precision engineering based on OEM specifications the Ultimate 4WD Brake Drums incorporate innovative technology such as High Carbon Metallurgy for increased braking performance, SwiftFit protective zinc coating and durable Epoxy Coated Hub to give your Nissan ute a great look.

Although the Bendix Ultimate 4WD Brake Upgrade Kit and Ultimate 4WD Rear Brake Drum Kit are sold and can be fitted separately, upgrading your D40 or NP300 Navara with both kits gives you peace of mind that, not only do you have safe, reliable braking under all conditions over any terrain, but with the systems complementing each other, braking performance and reliability are optimized.

Find out more about the Bendix Ultimate 4WD Brake Upgrade Kit click HERE, and for the Ultimate 4WD Rear Brake Drum Kit visit Bendix over HERE.

To find your nearest Bendix stockist, click HERE.

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