back brakes drag

[stellarblue4runner]

hey all, have a 96 4runner and am having issues with the back brakes dragging - mostly when I am driving around town- don't notice it at speeds higher than 40mph.
Was told by my mechanic not to use my emergency brake because of the condition my cable is in, (didn't want to spend the $200. to totally fix problem, and I don't know how to do it myself) but I think one of my boys who are 10 and 12 might have pulled the brake.
how do I know if it is the emergency brakes that are dragging? also I notice this more when I make right turns.

 

[nilson]

Feel your back wheels after driving around for a bit. If the brakes are dragging, the rear wheels will be noticeably warm or hot to the touch.

I suggest spending the money to replace the ebrake cable.

 

[quicksilvr]

For a quick fix of your immediate problem, grab a hammer and crawl under the back of your truck. There is a screw on each bellcrank, that holds it off the backing plate a certain distance. If the ebrake is off, those screws should be up against the backing plate. If they're not, use your hammer to tap them over. You'll see the bellcranks move, and that will release the parking brake fully.


If you have more time than money, you can remove the whole business, clean all the corrosion of it, paint it, and reinstall it. It'll be like new. Or if you have more money than time, but new stuff and have it installed.

 

[stellarblue4runner]

Thanks. I will try the hammer fix for now. haven't checked on the heat of the wheel yet. probably not going to drive the 4runner much today so will check next time. Will probably deal with brake issue when I replace the housing on my rear axle (stupid rust anyway, but living in Michigan am bound to have some).

 

[JohnsD90]

lol i remember when i wasnt allowed to pull the e-brake in my dads call, lol last winter, just back up for a little while, you could get lucky and it actually adjusts your drums...