Parking brake: Feels "On" and handle is loose

[OnTheEllipse]

I don't drive the 4runner daily, so I'm not intimately familiar with how it should feel, but:

It feels like the parking brake might be on a bit at all times. If I put the car in reverse, it will not roll without gas. If I put it in Drive, it will roll if pointing downhill, but not much.

The parking brake handle feels pretty loose. There are no "clicks". I can't recall whether or not there used to be. If I put the car in drive and pull up on the brake, it has no effect until I'm pulling up pretty hard/maxed out...but it isn't strong.

I feel like, obviously, that means the cable is too tight and needs adjusted, but I don't want to go chasing the wrong problem if that's not it. Any thoughts?

 

[KidVermicious]

First thing I'd do is check the tension on the brake cable at the rear drums. Should have a little slack in it. If it's tight, then your ebrake isn't releasing all the way and you can go from there. Could be sticky shoes or levers, could be the cable itself is binding up somewhere or is just too tight, but make sure that's really the problem before you start ripping stuff apart.

If it is stuck and constantly engaged and you've been driving like that, plan on replacing the rear brake shoes anyway.

 

[OnTheEllipse]

great, i'll check that cable. Thanks!

 

[TheDurk]

My call, stuck bellcranks. You will probably need this:

http://www.tundrasolutions.com/forums/attachments/brakes/38092d1231601230-sticking-parking-brake-bellcranks-toyota-truck-park-brake-bellcrank-repair.pdf

 

[OnTheEllipse]

i appreciate that!

any reason to not take it on a road trip as is?

 

[opie74]

My call, stuck bellcranks. You will probably need this:

http://www.tundrasolutions.com/forums/attachments/brakes/38092d1231601230-sticking-parking-brake-bellcranks-toyota-truck-park-brake-bellcrank-repair.pdf

This.

If the bellcranks are stuck, you are dragging the shoes. They will wear down eventually, but create alot of heat in the process. You can usually tap them back with a hammer.

I ended up pulling both of mine, taking them apart and getting the surfaces cleaned and free and then packed the rubber boot full of grease.

 

[TheDurk]

i appreciate that!

any reason to not take it on a road trip as is?

Drive a few miles and then touch your rear hubs. Depending on how hot they are, decide if you really want to let them heat up for a few hours that way. I would prefer to try and push them enough to disengage the shoes and then stay off the e-brake until I could get them fixed. Recognize that your drums are probably not working well as they can't auto-adjust, so you may be at risk in a panic stop. It would be better to fix it before you travel, if possible. If not, take it real easy. You might also be more likely to spin in slippery conditions. The drums really only come into play on hard stops, but then you need them.