2000 Manual Trans sticky after sitting in gear

[yukon365]

Okay, I tried to see if this was in the forums, so forgive me if I just didn't see where this has already been discussed. I bought a 2000 4Runner two weeks ago. Manual transmission. Everything seems great so far. The only funny thing is that twice now, when I've been parked on a hill for a few hours, my truck doesn't roll when I put it into neutral. I don't use the parking brake pretty much ever, and not in these situations. Today, I had parked nose-out of the parking stall, with the grade downhill as to make the truck want to roll backwards. I got in, started it up, and started going out of the parking lot. When I stopped at the edge of the parking lot, which was a slight downhill grade, when I put the clutch in and took my foot off the brake, the truck didn't roll forward. I shifted it into neutral and let out the clutch, and still nothing. I shifted into first, and went forward, and it ran fine, but I'm wondering if there's something dragging in there. Maybe an e-brake or something funny with a differential?

Thanks in advance for any help! I just sold my LandCruiser and enjoyed much help from those guys over the years working on it, and I figure the 4Runner guys are of the same breed.

 

[yukon365]

Update

Is it possible that it's a sticky parking brake? I know the adjuster is activated when you go into reverse. Maybe it's dragging? I don't ever smell anything hot. My truck did this twice today, enough drag somewhere to keep me stopped on a hill that was about a 6% grade. I'm going to have the brakes checked tomorrow.

 

[TheDurk]

Put your hand on the rear hubs to check for heat. I'd service the rear brakes before I worried about the manual trans. You can also check for leaking axle seals at the same time--the oil gets on the shoes which swell and then start to bind. Also check that the bellcranks are operating normally--these can cause the e-brake to stick.

Does it brake normally and in a straight line with no pull?

 

[Nelsonmd]

Yeah, I'd guess parking brake too. Does it lock up at all when you leave it overnight and hit the gas the first time in the morning?

Good to do e-brake maintenance anyways, as these lock up so easily from corrosion.

 

[Shibby!]

Is it possible that it's a sticky parking brake? I know the adjuster is activated when you go into reverse. Maybe it's dragging? I don't ever smell anything hot. My truck did this twice today, enough drag somewhere to keep me stopped on a hill that was about a 6% grade. I'm going to have the brakes checked tomorrow.

They can. If you read about it there are various thoughts as to why and what parts help make it better. Aftermarket seem to be more prone.

Mine used to. The brake shop couldn't figure it out, etc. I think it's due to either flex or compression of the braking material that allows the adjuster to keep adjusting. For this reason I have my lever adjusted so it works, but not well. Hasn't rubbed since. I ALWAYS leave it in gear. Nobody drives my truck so it's not an issue, and if they did I would surely make sure they were aware of this.

Once my pads wear down a bit I'll see if I can get it working better. Also, every oil change I'll adjust the rear in case it hasn't been adjusting properly. The pedal seems fine though.

 

[yukon365]

You guys were right...

Took it into the shop today to have them check it out. Axle seals were leaking, with the gear oil soaking into the brake pads. Ended up getting new drums (old ones too thin to machine), new shoes, seals, etc... $800+ I should have figured it out myself and rocked it in the garage, but this was finals week for me.

Thanks for the advice everyone!

 

[TheDurk]

Put your hand on the rear hubs to check for heat. I'd service the rear brakes before I worried about the manual trans. You can also check for leaking axle seals at the same time--the oil gets on the shoes which swell and then start to bind. Also check that the bellcranks are operating normally--these can cause the e-brake to stick.

Ding-ding-ding....

Thanks for letting us know.