Parking brake hardware

[DEF4Runner]

OK, so I'm finally fed up with pushing my foot to the floor to halfway engage my parking brake, and after nearly 10 years on the road, pulled the trigger and bought some new parking brake pads. I've searched the forums a bit and found a few folks who pulled this off (I understand it's a PITA) but couldn't see if anyone had to replace any of the hardware for one reason or another (breakage/wear).

So for those who've done it, would you recommend having any of the other 'bits' on hand to replace along the way?

This is my first time messing with drum brakes, so this should be interesting, especially (as I understand it) the benevolent engineers at Toyota left us 'plenty' of room to accomplish this job.

Thanks a bunch!

 

[Marfy]

How timely. I replace my rear brakes last weekend. I used the 5th gen calipers, 4th gen rotors, new pads and new parking brakes incl. All hardware. It was a pain in the was. That is true. The hardest part was getting the retainer pins, springs and twisty caps (technical terms) on. I do admit, at one point I asked myself what had I done by taking them apart. In hindsight, once I did one side, I got the other one done in no time. I used basic tools like pliers, long thin screwdriver. And take pictures! Oh, and take one side apart so you can look at the other for reference.


In the end, the brakes themselves were fine. Did not need to be replaced. The little retainer pins I mentioned above were rusted pretty bad though. If they broke, I'd imagine there would be issues. Thus, I am happy I did it.

Be patient!

 

[DEF4Runner]

So the pads were fine? Maybe the cable is just getting a little lazy....

 

[Marfy]

Pull the rotor off, and you can spin the adjuster. Mine aren't well adjusted. Need to go back in...

 

[Marfy]

Oh, and I am sure you know, but if not, use the threads in the front of the rotor to push the rotor off. Dont crank them though, put some pressure by screwing in a bolt, and tap the rotor around the hub. Add some more pressure and tap some more. If you just crank on the bolts, you'll strip them. Ask me how I know....

 

[N55_6MT]

How timely. I replace my rear brakes last weekend. I used the 5th gen calipers, 4th gen rotors, new pads and new parking brakes incl. All hardware. It was a pain in the was. That is true. The hardest part was getting the retainer pins, springs and twisty caps (technical terms) on. I do admit, at one point I asked myself what had I done by taking them apart. In hindsight, once I did one side, I got the other one done in no time. I used basic tools like pliers, long thin screwdriver. And take pictures! Oh, and take one side apart so you can look at the other for reference.


In the end, the brakes themselves were fine. Did not need to be replaced. The little retainer pins I mentioned above were rusted pretty bad though. If they broke, I'd imagine there would be issues. Thus, I am happy I did it.

Be patient!

When I was fixing a broken "twisty cap" and bent pin on my '05, I found a post online somewhere where it was advised to assemble the pin, retainer, spring and twisty cap before sliding the shoe in, and use very small zip ties to compress the retainer spring, slide it on to the shoe, then cut the zip ties.

 

[Marfy]

That's smart. I assembled, then slid the shoe nearly in place while gently holding back cap and spring with a screwdriver. Once I got the lip over and holding, I carefully slid the little tooth into the hole. Seriously, sorry I don't know what the actual parts are called. If you've done it, you know what I'm talking about.

 

[46runner]

Just FYI, I have a write up on reinstalling the parking brake in my signature and here: http://www.toyota-4runner.org/maintenance-detailing/239495-diy-rear-axle-seal-parking-brake.html