Hand Brakes
Transmission vs Rear Brakes. There are two common types of hand brake systems fitted to 4wd vehicles.
- A hand brake which works on the rear brake shoes.
- A transmission brake that is fitted to the rear output of the transfer box.
Being aware of what type of hand brake you have on your 4wd is important when using it in a harsh environment.
The more "off-road capable" 4wd vehicles tend to have a transmission hand brake as this gives braking on all four wheels when 4wd is selected or the centre differential is locked. Also, a transmission brake has more ground clearance; therefore, when traveling through relatively deep mud is less likely to get contaminated and fail.
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