Parking Brake

[AdoboRunner]

This morning my dumb a$$ was late to work. During my rush, I left the parking brake engaged while I was driving for about 10 mins under 30mph and about 50 for about 5 mins. I heard some clicking or popping while I was driving, and then when I disengaged it, it stopped. This is the second time I have done this, what kind of damage could I have caused? Should I get it looked at? Thanks in advance

 

[Nuke]

Doesn't the light remain lit when the parking brake is on with the engine running?

Regardless, you probably wiped a thousand miles or so off your rear pads. As long as you're not hearing anything strange or getting any vibration from the back end you should be fine. I'd verify that the parking brake holds the vehicle, though. It should have been VERY obvious just by the feel of the car that something was amiss.

 

[jwyshrek]

Pads???...Doesn't the 4th Gen 4runner have separate brake 'shoes' inside the rotor hub for the parking brake? (Like the old style drum brakes, but without the hydraulics.)

 

[AdoboRunner]

Doesn't the light remain lit when the parking brake is on with the engine running?

Regardless, you probably wiped a thousand miles or so off your rear pads. As long as you're not hearing anything strange or getting any vibration from the back end you should be fine. I'd verify that the parking brake holds the vehicle, though. It should have been VERY obvious just by the feel of the car that something was amiss.

Yeah the light was lit. it was raining this morning and dark so extra concentration on the road was key. I was just being dumb not looking at my warning lights. *note to self---look at warning lights* but I wasn't getting any weird vibrations or strange sounds. so I guess I should be good. Thanks

 

[nashman69g]

nothing to really worry about.

 

[wbwatson79]

Pads???...Doesn't the 4th Gen 4runner have separate brake 'shoes' inside the rotor hub for the parking brake? (Like the old style drum brakes, but without the hydraulics.)

This is correct, there are separate shoes for the parking brake so you didn't harm the pads. If the parking brake still holds just roll on and don't worry about it, if it doesn't you can probably just adjust it and avoid having to replace the shoes.

 

[Absolute]

This is correct, there are separate shoes for the parking brake so you didn't harm the pads. If the parking brake still holds just roll on and don't worry about it, if it doesn't you can probably just adjust it and avoid having to replace the shoes.

:iagree:

I have done it before. Does your parking break pedal go all the way to the floor when you set it? It is only supposed to go about 6-7 clicks. If it goes any further you may either need to tighten the cable or change the pads. They are pretty decent to change and the rear rotor is really easy to remove. If you were able to drive and not notice it being engaged your pads were probably already worn to begin with.

 

[TechWrench]

:iagree:

I have done it before. Does your parking break pedal go all the way to the floor when you set it? It is only supposed to go about 6-7 clicks. If it goes any further you may either need to tighten the cable or change the pads. They are pretty decent to change and the rear rotor is really easy to remove. If you were able to drive and not notice it being engaged your pads were probably already worn to begin with.

Normally, you shouldn't have to make any adjustment to the cable. If the parking brake pedal is going too far to the floor to apply, then the rear parking brake shoes probably need adjustment. The parking brake system on the 4th gen is not self adjusting, it needs a manual adjustment to compensate for any shoe wear. The proceedure has been gone over many times in threads on parking brake problems.

 

[SSt4r]

Unfortunately, My wife did the same thing about 6 months ago. My parking brake pedal would then go to the floor before it would hold (kinda). I just recently pulled the rear rotors; they were fine (inside) but the parking brake shoes were pretty damaged & I just replaced them. Should be fine now. Good luck!

 

[Madskarnigan]

Where did you buy your parking brake shoes from?

 

[SSt4r]

I just bought them from a local shop (mechanic) I'm friendly with / do business with. I would imagine any parts store should be able to get them for you.

 

[empty403]

Normally, you shouldn't have to make any adjustment to the cable. If the parking brake pedal is going too far to the floor to apply, then the rear parking brake shoes probably need adjustment. The parking brake system on the 4th gen is not self adjusting, it needs a manual adjustment to compensate for any shoe wear. The proceedure has been gone over many times in threads on parking brake problems.

Same as what TechWrench said. Basically the same as adjusting a drum brake. If it's not between 5-8 clicks then adjust both sides. I like to adjust it until you can feel a bit of braking (just manually rotate the rotor, but clean the rotor where you touch it), then a back it off a 1/4 to 1/2 turn. Then do the same on the other side.

 

[memphis34]

Mine beeps when the parking brake is on while driving.

 

[kaffin8ed]

I'm not mechanically inclined but I once drove a Civic several kilometres with the handbrake on. I never put on the handbrake and my friend thought she was doing me a favour by pulling it up without telling me. It was a 91 Civic, had no noticeable damage, and is in fact still running to this day. Your 4Runner should be fine.