rear handbrake shoes issue on 100 series..

[Punchy]

Just a heads up folks, and moreso for the Mechanics out there that frequent the site.

Gents and ladies,
In the last few weeks i've been dealing with a small issue re: 105 series cruiserc regarding the rear handbrake shoes for the park brake. ( internal disc/drum mounted ones )

Incase some of you are contemplating replacing the shoes due to wear or some sort of issue.. consider this

"RDA" are to the best of my knowledge the only after market supplier, of complete..non rebonded handbrake shoes for this vehicle... DONT BUY THEM !

My workshop recently experienced a technical issue with this shoes and brought it to the attention of our reseller, and they promptly brought it to the attention of RDA. This techincal issue saw us waste many hours of our time, involved some many skilled people to check our assumption that we wern't crazy or doing something wrong, and all were left dumbfounded and scrathing there heads.

I made short videos explaining and demonstrating the issue with their product and it's inablity to perform the task it was designed for ! These were also submitted to RDA reps and finally after a month and half someone came and saw us and requested we supply the vehicle for inspection.

Unfortunately the inspection was carried out by a set of tits and arse with a folder and biro, and by her own submission knew nothing mechincally about the fitment of brake parts as per sae'.. Great news comming from a rep that's going to sing the praises of a product to you, that she has absaolutely no practical experience with, and only obtained her knowledge from the company "bible".

So after much discussion and explaining and showing of the issue, she herself was left scratching her head and issuing applogies left right and centre with the promises or free product and replacement articles to rectify the issue. We took them up on this offer.

After trying another serveral more sets of RDA brake shoes and checking and rechecking, it was decided that "the" $35 set of brake shoes we're never going to work correctly, and the near $200 geniune toyota brake shoes were going to have to be fitted. With this being done...........

Problem solved.
External Hand brake ajustment was regained, excessive freeplay in the handbrake lever mechainism elliminated, modification of parts to accomodate the RDA shoes removed, more than enough cable adjustment restored, and in general to correct sized parts installed and shoe contact area maximised, without having a spungey handbrake feel when you rip the handle up !


So, At the end f the day, to stop pulling your hair out only fit genuine shoes and a pair of new rotors. If your at a stage of replacing the shoes..the rotors will either be tapered, undercut and or oversize, and ready to crack anyways.

I have videos from my phone to best explain the difficulties you may encounter if you fit RDA Product on 100 series cruisers but im far to inept to upload to youtubes etc.

[VooDoo]

I fitted RDS pads and rotors, lasted 8000k's and were junk. Complained to RDA and they said the pads were the wrong ones for a heavy cruiser (listed as HD on their own site) . They didn't want to know about any issues. DBA on the other hand looked into the issue i had, supplied rotors and pads and zero issues since. No idea if they do handbrake pads though. I sure wouldn't put RDA anywhere near my cars now.

[RAY185]

That sucks balls Scotty. I didn't know they did shoes. I happily use their discs but reluctantly use their pads.

Warren must have been having kittens.

Cheers for the heads up.

[Commando Cam]

I had the same problem on a few weeks back with my 105. I could not get the RDA shoes to adjust up or operate normally. Pin diameter was wrong, and all other dimensions were too different for the handbrake to function properly.
Returned them to the brake place and he gave me a set of rebonded ones from Clutch & Brake Australia in Dandenong. Fitted perfectly and have had no issues since. I suspect they may have been genuine backing plates.
Cheers
Cam

[Shadow]

this thread came up just at the right time as i am planning on doing my rear brakes in the very near future!

I will stay well clear of anything RDA then!

[RAY185]

The discs are fine and usually very reasonably priced.