Project Mu Parking Brake Shoes
Project Mu Parking Brake Shoes: Engineered for Control at Every Level
When it comes to the parking brake — often an afterthought in brake system upgrades — Project Mu takes the same obsessive, motorsport-backed approach that defines every product they make. Founded in March 1988 and headquartered in Yamaguchi, Japan, Project Mu Co., Ltd. specializes in producing high-end braking solutions with a focus on creating the best possible products for the intended application. That philosophy carries directly into their parking brake shoe lineup, where compound engineering and real-world racing feedback set them apart from generic replacements.
Two Purpose-Built Compounds for Different Driving Styles
Project Mu offers parking brake shoes in two distinct product lines, each tuned for a specific use case:
- Sports Inner Shoe: The Project Mu Sports Inner Shoes were designed to increase the friction coefficient to lead to a greater locking ability of the side e-brake. Superior bite and control make the Sports Rear Shoe the ideal model for everything from on-street driving to circuit racing.
- D1 Spec Inner Shoe: The D1 Spec compound is more aggressive than the Sports compound, allowing for easier lock-up of the rear wheels. The D1 Spec Inner Shoe uses a super graphite metallic, asbestos-free material with a heat range of 50–450°C. This makes it the go-to choice for drift events, gymkhana, and high-performance handbrake applications.
Why the Parking Brake Shoe Matters for Performance Drivers
For enthusiasts who use the handbrake as an active driving tool — whether initiating a drift entry, executing a hairpin rotation, or competing in gymkhana — the compound, bite characteristics, and heat tolerance of the parking brake shoe are critical. Project Mu's brake shoes feature a strong initial bite, making them perfect for handbrake spins and drifting. Unlike OEM shoes, which are engineered purely for stationary holding force, Project Mu's shoes are designed to engage predictably and firmly under dynamic, repeated use.
These brake shoes are designed for use on handbrakes only, making them a focused, purpose-built upgrade rather than a general-purpose replacement. Project Mu fitments cover a wide range of popular Japanese performance platforms, including Toyota JZX-series Chasers and Marks, Nissan 350Z, 370Z, Lexus IS300, SC300, and the Toyota 86/Subaru BRZ family — vehicles where the rear drum-in-hat setup pairs a disc rotor with an inner drum specifically for the parking brake.
Racing Pedigree Behind Every Compound
Project Mu is a premier manufacturer of high-performance brake systems focused on appealing to the needs of performance fanatics who want products that deliver championship levels of quality and performance with improved noise reduction and heat insulation. It's the brand of choice for racing all over the world, including WRC, NASCAR, WTCC, BTCC, and D1 Drifting. The friction materials used in their parking brake shoes benefit directly from this motorsport development cycle — the same compound knowledge applied to their racing brake pads informs how their inner shoe compounds are formulated for bite consistency and durability.
Whether you're building a dedicated drift car or simply want a more responsive and reliable handbrake on your performance street vehicle, Project Mu's parking brake shoe lineup delivers a meaningful upgrade over stock. Explore the full Project Mu brand catalog or browse all parking brake shoes to find the right fit for your application.