'05 T4r Parking Brake Adjustment - Just did it

[TechWrench]

So pull the six nuts? I was thinking that, but didn't want to start unbolting things when I wasn't sure what I was doing. Flatbed tow trucks are expensive.

Thanks.

You need to remove the spacer in order to see the correct surface of the rotor with the two adjustment holes. There will be two holes in the hub surface of the rotor that are 180 degrees apart, that will reveal a partial hole in the underneath hub assy. If you rotate the rotor so that one of these two holes is almost at 6 o'clock (closer to 5:30) and shine a flashlight in the hole you should be able to see the star wheel adjuster. You will need a narrow, straight blade screwdriver to make the adjustments. The adjuster wheel will rotate up and down to make the adjustment. Be sure you use at least two lug nuts to lock the rotor in place against the hub so it doesn't wobble around while turning it. At the moment, I can't remember which direction to turn the star wheel does what. If you are turning the star wheel the right way, it should take only 10-15 clicks to get the parking brake to lock the rotor in place (assuming the parking brake assy., is installed correctly and working as it is designed to) Once you get the rotor to hold in place, then back off the adjustment until the rotor just turns without scrubbing on the shoes. The factory procedure calls for 8-10 clicks to back off from the locked position, but I have found that 6-8 work better for me. Do both sides, and then test pedal travel to see if you are satisfied with it, before re-installing everything. Also, while you have the wheels off, check to make sure that both parking brake cables move freely in their cable sleeves. It is not uncommon to have one, or both get rusted in place in the sleeves and either not apply the parking brake system properly, or fail to release when it is supposed to.

 

[sandiegosteve]

Thanks to this thread I was able to do this without too much trouble. Brake pedal feels a little stiffer, but I need to test it.

I think my parking break was great until recently... makes me wonder if something else could have gone wrong.

 

[BackOff]

DOWN to expand.
UP to contact.
Both R/L sides adjust the same direction.
Just a correction.
riceandpho mentioned it.

 

[swampdodo]

If you are lazy like me and don't feel like jacking up the 4Runner and messing with those big heavy wheels, you might try the following.

***Do at your own risk***

Find a LARGE empty parking lot.

Drive forward to one end...shift it into reverse and give it some gas...not too fast...say less than 20/25mph.

As you are going backwards (PAY ATTENTION!) firmly engage the parking break and depress again to release...firmly engage the parking break and depress again to release...repeat until you run out of momentum.

You may have to do this 3 or 4 times to see any effect. I used to do this in my XJ which had the center handle parking brake...easier to do...utilizing the 'self adjuster' in the parking brake mechanism.

Anyway, I did this yesterday and while it still not as 'firm' as it needs to be...my parking brakes will now hold the 4Runner in D, R or a hill.

WATCH OUT FOR THAT CAT!

 

[swampdodo]

Oh, the above only works if your parking brakes (and all related hardware) are in good working order...

 

[rkmercedes]

2022 4Runner Parking Brake and Cable Adjustment....Help!

Hi All,
I am new to this list and do not have permission to start a thread so I attached myself to this one and hope for the best.

I changed the rear rotors and pads yesterday on my daughter's 2022 4Runner. When I went to adjust the parking brake the pedal goes to the floor and hardly holds the vehicle in drive on a level road. Doubled checked the adjustments and basically the same. My daughter hardly used the emergency brake but doesn't believe it went all the way to the floor.

I read a few complaints on Toyota Forums about the E-Barkes on the 4Runner being less than optimum.

There were a few suggestions to tighten the cable itself from inside the center console. Anyone have a video or instructions on that procedure.

Thanks in advance for any help or suggestions.

Sincerely,
Bob K

 

[Montego Murph]

When you adjusted the parking brake shoes with the star wheel, did you first compress the service brake pads with a c-clamp so they weren't dragging on the rotor?

I compress the caliper, then twiddle the adjusting wheel one click at a time until I can't turn the rotor easily by hand anymore, then back it off three clicks. (then give the rotor a spin to make sure it's not dragging. One more click if it is.) My driveway is on a hill and I use my parking brake daily, and it holds the 4R quite well.

 

[4R005]

When using the star wheel method to adjust shoe clearance to drum, first immobilize rotor/drum to hub with 2 or 3 nuts prior to clicking the SW. This way the adjustment(s) will be made and remained in the exact position as when wheel & rotor are bolted onto hub to completed operation. This operation ensures rotor will be in final fix position for road service, as without this step rotor is loose just resting on the 6 studs when SW is rotated for adjustment. This extra step negates potentially repeat/extra removing of wheel for readjustment of clearance if not optimum.

 

[88Center]

How To Replace Your Brakes on Your Toyota and Lexus Like a Pro

He covers parking brake shoe adjustment and has plenty of other good advice.

https://youtu.be/qcGPRntO2Ws?si=2Jenna-qSll58hA2&t=2031