...Outback Trek

and a brake warning

We have just returned from the 2005 Flying Doctor Outback Trek which began in Esperance and finished in Alice Springs, having travelled as far north as Derby. For us the rains came as we left Rabbit Flat and it poured all the way across the Tanami.

The event was a great success - lots of fun, wonderful country, no serious accidents, some very challenging driving and a donation to the RFDS of at least $1.1 million (still finalising the books for audit).

An interesting thing happened on the last day.  We drove 600 kms, 400 on the wet unsealed Tanami Track. By Alice Springs the brakes on many of the vehicles, especially the 100 Series Landcruisers were completely useless.  The abrasive grit had worn away all the brake pads so there was only metal to metal contact.  This had nothing to do with brake use as there was very little of it on the straight road and speed was restricted due to the conditions. The man at Alice Springs Brake and Clutch was doing a roaring trade. He said he has seen many examples of this brake pad destruction when it rains. Stephen. Event Director, Flying Doctor Outback Trek.  

  • This is a common problem with Landcruisers of the 80 and 100 series. Some Aboriginal communities went over to Nissans because they could ruin a set of pads and disks on one trip from Warburton to Alice Springs when the road was wet. Total cost of about $3000 for replacement of complete back brake assembly was considered excessive. John.

  • There is a shield available through Toyota to alleviate the problem in the muddy outback conditions. Most dealers probably don’t even know about this modification but all the dealer needs to do is contact the National Service division to seek clarification. From memory the cost is about $90.  David     

More bits & Pieces

...about your Toyota

Readers who own Landcruiser 100 Series may be interested to know this. It is claimed that they cannot be stolen without a key due to embedded electronic immobilizer codes.

I woke up at 4.00am recently to hear my Cruiser being started and driven away from my drive-way. Now, three weeks later, it is still “away”. A window was broken for access and I can account for all keys. The “experts” tell me it can’t happen.  Robin. Urrbrae SA    

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