R4 Brake set up 1979

[bathst]

I am looking to replace the brakes on my r4tl R1128 and it is unusual in that the front brakes have the handbrake set up and the rears are self adjusting.
Do i just order the brakes by diameter and width and then transfer across the correct hardware? Obviously brake lever for front brakes and self adjusting hardware for rears or is there somewhere i can buy identical to what i have? Thanks for any suggestions. Is this an unusual set up? 1st image is front brakes 2nd rear. Also fronts are approx 40-42 wide shoes 228 inner diameter. rears are 32 across 180mm inner diameter.

 

[JdeW]

Handbrakes on the front brakes are common on the R4 it was changed in 1982-1983 to the rear brakes except for the 782 and 845cc models.
In the same year the front brakes where changed from drum to disc also with the same exception in models named above.
This site gives information on R4's in general http://www.allez-y.info/dating.html
And this site (in French) gives loads of mechanics and DIY https://www.la4ldesylvie.fr/tutoriels-de-mecanique-et-bricolage-sur-les-renault-4

The diameters you named are correct 228mm on the front and 180 mm at the rear.
(There is also a 200mm for the front for older models 200x36mm R1120 '66 - ' 71 R1123 319789 -> 2159152 '67 - '81 R1126 '72 - '82 R2106 1 -> 24876 '66 - '69).
Keep in mind that there are 2 versions for the front, self adjusting and not self adjusting (adjusting cams).

Changement des garnitures de freins avant

Changement des garnitures de freins avant sur une Renault 4

www.la4ldesylvie.fr

And by looking at the pics, there's enough meat on the lining shoes so no need the change them, also everything looks nice and dry on the wheel brake cylinders.
Just keep in mind that the brake power with drum brakes is way more less than a model with disc brakes so start braking way earlier!!

Looking and ordering parts can still be done but mainly in Europe, I'm not aware about any southern pacific region sources...
In the Netherlands https://www.renault4onderdelen.nl/Webwinkel-Category-7298007/Remsysteem-voorzijde-trommelrem.html
In Germany https://www.franzose.de/en/Renault/R4/front-brake-without-hydraulic-parts/
In France https://www.melun-retro-passion.com/gb/880-freinage-r4
I'm not supporting the worthless mega monsters as ebay and amazon they'r becoming more and more like alibaba's hopeless quality

Regards, Joop

 

[bathst]

Thanks i am used to importing so no problem from Europe. Yes the cylinders are dry but the car has not been used much and i have a braking issue even after bleeding properly which i think is the tandem master cylinder, I suspect braking to the rear not working and therefore not self adjusting as it should. Also on the fronts the handrake lever on the brake shoe is already a long way forward. they are just so cheap to replace once i am in there. Will do some wheel bearings on the rear also and needs rear shocks some ball joints, headlights and a few minor bits. clearly had been getting soft warrants. Also the joint for the exhaust on mine had a clamp around it but it wasn't clamping on the rest of the exhaust just before it goes through the guard. It seems a rather crude system. and there appears to be little supports for the exhaust to the body.

 

[bathst]

Thanks for the links too. Yes this has cams but someone has mangled a couple but i can still turn them all so that is all that matters. I have a square tool as is the same size for peugeot 203 403 404 adjusters.