So how many of you use the parking brake when you park? Do you use it every time? Reason I ask is it seems mine isn't really doing anything. There's been a couple times I forget to turn it off, yet my truck still rolls down the driveway. And now I've noticed when I park and set the brake, my truck rocks back slightly and I can feel it set on the transmission (can feel shifter move). Is this bad? I was always under the impression to use the parking brake to save the transmission. Thoughts?
Parking Brake
- Thread starter SoCal4Run
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3wbdriver
New member
I use mine if I'm parking on a slope so it eases my shifting out of Park into a gear (I set the brake and then put the trans into Park). If you ever park on a slope without the parking brake and notice how hard the trans can be to take out of Park you will understand my point.
I grew up with the parking brake working on the rear drums. If you set it and drove off it would just burn off a thin layer of your rear pads. This could be adjusted for on those. I honestly don't know how it works with 4 wheel disk brakes. I imagine it is the same concept but still uses the rear brakes. You may just need to adjust the tension on the cable underneath that controls them. The parking brake was neither designed nor intended to be used to stop a car (emergency brake), although it could serve that purpose if used in a thoughtful manner. It was intended to secure the car on inclines when parked. So it doesn't have the power of the vacuum system to really lock the brakes down. Just enough tension to keep the car from rolling away. If you put it in drive the engine will overpower them. And if you do it often enough it will burn up some pad.
My recommendation would be to make a note to have it adjusted at your next scheduled service.
One interesting note about the old drum parking brake. They worked a lot better if facing down a hill than up. Something about the pivot on the pad pulling it in harder against the drum if facing forward down a hill.
I grew up with the parking brake working on the rear drums. If you set it and drove off it would just burn off a thin layer of your rear pads. This could be adjusted for on those. I honestly don't know how it works with 4 wheel disk brakes. I imagine it is the same concept but still uses the rear brakes. You may just need to adjust the tension on the cable underneath that controls them. The parking brake was neither designed nor intended to be used to stop a car (emergency brake), although it could serve that purpose if used in a thoughtful manner. It was intended to secure the car on inclines when parked. So it doesn't have the power of the vacuum system to really lock the brakes down. Just enough tension to keep the car from rolling away. If you put it in drive the engine will overpower them. And if you do it often enough it will burn up some pad.
My recommendation would be to make a note to have it adjusted at your next scheduled service.
One interesting note about the old drum parking brake. They worked a lot better if facing down a hill than up. Something about the pivot on the pad pulling it in harder against the drum if facing forward down a hill.
FrontRange4Runner
New member
Every time I park the vehicle I set the parking brake first. This is just good practice, especially for those of us coming from a manual transmission (honestly everyone should be doing it every time). My GF's parents have a very steep driveway and after about 10k miles I noticed that the parking brake would not hold the 4Runner on it. On our next service I had them adjust it and now it's solid. -- In order to stop the rocking of the vehicle when parked on a large slope -- stop where you want to, hold the brakes and set the parking brake firmly, then let off of the brakes and see if you roll at all. If you do, then your brake need to be adjusted (for a real test the vehicle needs to be in N otherwise the transmission will still be holding you somewhat in D) . If not, then shift into P and you will be good. Most people get into trouble because they come to a stop, shift into P, let their foot off the brake and then engage the parking brake. This allows the vehicle to roll back while in P and puts stress on the system. Truth be told manufactures account for this, but why put undue stress on the transmission? :juggle:
MikeDUBS
New member
I use mine every time I leave the vehicle. This goes for every vehicle I drive. That's just how I was taught. Got my first driver's license in the UK. You lost points on your test if you didn't set the parking (hand) break every time the vehicle was shutdown.
Nobody in my wife's family uses it (not even sure they know it's there), but I've groomed my wife to set it every time as well.
Nobody in my wife's family uses it (not even sure they know it's there), but I've groomed my wife to set it every time as well.
JayceeP
New member
Ditto on always using the parking brake and ditto on putting the 4Runnee in N to quick test to ensure the weight is on the parking brake and not the transmission. Once I know he parking brake is going to hold, I put it in park.
One thing I do notice is that even for moderate slopes I really need to push down on the parking brake for it to hold.
One thing I do notice is that even for moderate slopes I really need to push down on the parking brake for it to hold.
Good info guys. I too set it everytime that I park, in every car I've owned. Even do it in my parents car when I drive it, and they give me a hard time when they get in it next. Seems like I'll have to get it tightened up at my 5,000 mile service. Can't believe it's so soft already.
vicpick58
New member
There are actually small brake shoes on the inside of the hat of the rear rotor, they use the inside of the hat as a drum. That is how the parking brake works.
They are not intended for much other than holding the vehicle in place when parked. Although they can slow you down in an emergency, but there is not really a whole lot of brake lining on those shoes so not too sure how much adjustment there is.
But yes it seems that if they are not holding, the cable would have some adjustment but I am not sure about this particular vehicle and how they are configured.
nevada
Senior Member
this.
its a good idea to use it regularly, it will keep the cables from getting seized up.
NorthWest 4R
New member
To adjust it you have to remove the center console, it is under the storage area.
I use mine all the time, but I do find it almost pointless. If feels like you're pushing it too hard to get it to actually hold and that irks me. It's more a peace of mind that a little extra something is holding it other than the transmission. I also hardly ever park on hills.
nevada
Senior Member
you have to the rotor and do it manually. same as adjusting drum brakes. its just a small drum brake inside the rotor.
only after everything else is adjusted correctly.
Go JayBee
New member
Looks fairly easy. Here is the section from the Repair Manual.
I assume that finish panel subassembly is just the panel above the pedals. maybe a few screws. Has anyone done this and has pics?
