can I drive without the bell crank assembly?

[Previologist]

I was about to start my rear axle work, and already took off my rusty, crusted-tight bell crank assemblies. They will need a lot of work to free them up and make them functional again. My other vehicle got wrecked today, so I need to put the 4runner back in service against my wishes, leaky seals and all. Is there any reason I can't drive it without the bell crank assembly temporarily? The only possible issues I see are dirt, but I can cover the holes, and the short cable that attaches to one of the shoes to activate the parking brake. I don't see that as a needed component (and it didn't work anyway), but would like someone to confirm that. I don't need both vehicles wrecked.

 

[brillo_76]

You wont have an emergency break is all.. You have to do what you have to do.. You know its not advisable.. Folks arent going to tell you if you can or can't .

 

[Previologist]

I haven't had a functional e brake in years. I just wasn't sure if that little cable attached to the bell crank is a necessary part of normal brake operation, but I figure probably not. Guess Ill find out

 

[3bears]

you wont have a parking brake. Thats all it does. I have driven a 4runner with a completely rust frozen system that did not function at all,

 

[Previologist]

you wont have a parking brake. Thats all it does. I have driven a 4runner with a completely rust frozen system that did not function at all,

I've been driving that way for years. But now that little cable off the bell crank is completely gone, so that's the difference. But I doubt it matters.