E- Brake Actuator

[4runsport]

So I dropped the truck off for a quick oil change at the stealership today and as usual they called me back with a list of "urgent problems" the truck has. One of these problems being that the right rear emergency brake actuator is frozen. When I asked about the actual function of said part the service advisor had to put me on hold to find out what it does. She said my rear brake is locked up (odd, I feel no resistance, hear no metal creaking, and smell no brakes burning). 3 hours labor puts me close to $500 all said and done. Obviously I am not getting this done there but my question is how does one test this part? Where is it located? How hard is it to replace? Or is it something that a little PB Blaster can unfreeze and lube up?

I should have known I was being lied to when they told me I also needed my air filter replaced.... I have a Volant cold air intake and I just cleaned and oiled the filter last night :flipoff:

 

[Qyota]

They are probably referring to the "bell crank", which is the lever attached to the brake drum backing plate that is actuated when you pull on the e-brake cable (via the e-brake handle). It's very common for these to seize, but it doesn't mean your brake is locked up. It's something you can do yourself, but it takes some time and some basic tools. I need to do mine as well, as part of a larger rear brake overhaul. Search for bell crank or bellcrank on this forum for more info.

 

[4runsport]

Perfect! Thank you. Using the word "bellcrank" turned up much more information when I searched, even a PDF file step by step instruction on doing the job wich is awesome. How urgent is this of a project? Since you said the brake is not locked up im assuming that means the right rear is probably not engaging te brake itself.

 

[Qyota]

That's right. Both of mine are seized, but the brakes are free (the bellcrank only actuates the parking brake part of the brake system...or doesn't, in this case).

Not urgent, especially if you don't use your e-brake (I don't, but it would be nice if it worked every now and then). I think overall if they are seized, it's a good time to do a full rear brake overhaul, or at least inspection/disassembly/clean/etc.