I just bought a 99 limited with 124k. It is in good shape with no rust but I now begin fixing all the little things that don't work properly. I found no service records prior to buying it so I don't have much to go on so I'm starting from 0 on maintenance. When I pulled the truck in the garage and pulled up on the parking brake handle it won't budge. I've found a lot of threads on cable problems but not this. I'm also worried about being able to take the console out with the handle down. Let the fun begin!
Parking brake handle wont move.
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habanero
Senior Member
Are the bell cranks seized up or?
Lots of pics of the parking brake cable and also how to release it from the handle...
habanero's 1996 4Runner Build-Up Thread - Page 69 - YotaTech Forums
Post 1369-1379
...though it'll prolly be an easier start to take the cable off at the left rear wheel and possible along the axle, hopefully that give you enough room to work the brake handle so you can remove the center console and to remove the cable from the handle, if it turns out you need to remove it. My pics are for an earlier year, but you'll get the idea.
Lots of pics of the parking brake cable and also how to release it from the handle...
habanero's 1996 4Runner Build-Up Thread - Page 69 - YotaTech Forums
Post 1369-1379
...though it'll prolly be an easier start to take the cable off at the left rear wheel and possible along the axle, hopefully that give you enough room to work the brake handle so you can remove the center console and to remove the cable from the handle, if it turns out you need to remove it. My pics are for an earlier year, but you'll get the idea.
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habanero
Senior Member
Probably, though I suppose you'll have to figure that one out. There just isn't much to the handle. The cable and bell cranks being exposed to the elements would make me start there.
My first inclination would be to check that the bell cranks are not frozen.
I do have a part number in that link, but it is for the 96 so if that happens to be your situation you'll need to check the number for your 99.
My first inclination would be to check that the bell cranks are not frozen.
I do have a part number in that link, but it is for the 96 so if that happens to be your situation you'll need to check the number for your 99.
JRZEE2000TR4LTD
Senior Member
My money is on the bell cranks. That cable is sealed pretty good. Grab the exposed cable between the bell crank and 3rd member housing (passenger side) and pull it a little to see if the bell crank moves or pry the bell crank it self to see if it moves. The drivers side you can just grap the lever with some pliers to see if it moves.
willhaman21
Member
Agreed, my money is on the bell cranks. Water+time=rust, and in most cases, it can essentially "weld" the bell crank together. Mine did just that while on jack stands for a few weeks. You can try to separate yours and rebuild them, or just order a new self-assemble set from Napa for like $50. The second option is a lot easier 
By the way, they are kind of a pain in the ass to remove. If you're patient, you can get both bolts out without removing the shoes (PITA without the right tools), but you'll probably want to remove them to make it easier.
By the way, they are kind of a pain in the ass to remove. If you're patient, you can get both bolts out without removing the shoes (PITA without the right tools), but you'll probably want to remove them to make it easier.
Another vote for the bell cranks. You can take them off and clean them up, but it's tedious. They aren't that expensive. I went with the cheap Doorman replacements. Not as well made as OEM, but they worked.
If you don't know the adjuster for the rear drum brakes is part of the parking brake. So if you never use the parking brake your rear brakes never get adjusted, and eventually the bell crank will seize up. Just have to get in the habit of setting the parking brake frequently.
If you don't know the adjuster for the rear drum brakes is part of the parking brake. So if you never use the parking brake your rear brakes never get adjusted, and eventually the bell crank will seize up. Just have to get in the habit of setting the parking brake frequently.
volkinator
New member
My vote is also bell cranks... It's on my list of things to fix. I've got a pair waiting to go on that I picked up from Auto Zone.
Also, you can take the center console out with the handle down, it's just a bear. But do-able. I've had to do it a few times...
Also, you can take the center console out with the handle down, it's just a bear. But do-able. I've had to do it a few times...
Chuckles89
New member
From what I remember, the cables are one assembly. I just pulled one off of a junkyard 4Runner and got it for $4.
MyHigh
New member
Just FYI, if you can reuse the old OE boots that cover the exposed side of the bellcranks I would suggest doing so. My set of autozone crank boots tore just two months after install. For some reason OE bellcranks are super expensive I don't remember exact but like 250 compared to AZ $50 and all the parts were okay fit but the boots are just crap!
