Hi all. I got a 2001 limited 4wd 4Runner about a year ago. I got it up in Wisconsin and recently moved to Nashville, TN. The e-brake has been stuck down ever since I got it but I wasn't to worried about it until recently, when I moved to Nashville and actually have to park on some steep hills. Does anyone have any idea how to get it unstuck before I take it in? Would greatly appreciate any advice. Thanks!
Stuck E-Brake. Any suggestions?
- Thread starter twkoch
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808islerunner
New member
I'm gonna take a shot at this as I recall someone mentioned that you should check the arm cam or something like that located behind the backing plate which may get stuck possibly by rust or in the other persons case it was frozen stuck due to the freezing temp. the handle doesn't move at all?
nc-grayson
Member
What you're looking for is the bell cranks, they tend to get frozen rusted together in the salt belt regions.
Plenty of threads around here if you search for "frozen bell crank", or all over probably most Toyota enthusiast forums. Pretty much any yota (or any vehicle for that matter) with rear drums is susceptible to this.
Plenty of threads around here if you search for "frozen bell crank", or all over probably most Toyota enthusiast forums. Pretty much any yota (or any vehicle for that matter) with rear drums is susceptible to this.
This happened to me in Ohio. Had to pull rear drums and the rearmost pad to access the bolts to get the arm out. I bought the replacement kit from rockauto.com for pretty cheap. its relatively simple to do.
I initially hit it with PB blaster and it loosed them up but I still felt better replacing it.
I initially hit it with PB blaster and it loosed them up but I still felt better replacing it.
OldManKamps
New member
Definitely stuck bellcrank
Lithium grease, pb blaster, air compressor, and a hammer. That's what I did to free mine up. Keep reefing on it and pouring it full of pb and lithium grease. It'll come eventually
Lithium grease, pb blaster, air compressor, and a hammer. That's what I did to free mine up. Keep reefing on it and pouring it full of pb and lithium grease. It'll come eventually
I'm just over the river in MN and had the same problem. No amount of pb blaster of hammering freed mine. After breaking one I bought the $45 dollar kit and replaced them when I did new shoes. Pretty straight forward job but I added a bunch of grease inside the rubber boot to keep the grime out.
TheDurk
Elite Member
I have a link for that:
http://www.toyota-4runner.org/attachments/3rd-gen-t4rs/102497d1384491163-bell-cranks-38092d1231601230-sticking-parking-brake-bellcranks-toyota-truck-park-brake-bellcrank-repair.pdf
NAPA has a kit with all the hardware. I have not tried it, though, I just bookmarked in case I need it.
Bell Crank Actuator NOE 7356895 | NAPA Auto Parts
http://www.toyota-4runner.org/attachments/3rd-gen-t4rs/102497d1384491163-bell-cranks-38092d1231601230-sticking-parking-brake-bellcranks-toyota-truck-park-brake-bellcrank-repair.pdf
NAPA has a kit with all the hardware. I have not tried it, though, I just bookmarked in case I need it.
Bell Crank Actuator NOE 7356895 | NAPA Auto Parts
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nc-grayson
Member
I have a link for that:
http://www.toyota-4runner.org/attachments/3rd-gen-t4rs/102497d1384491163-bell-cranks-38092d1231601230-sticking-parking-brake-bellcranks-toyota-truck-park-brake-bellcrank-repair.pdf
NAPA has a kit with all the hardware. I have not tried it, though, I just bookmarked in case I need it.
Bell Crank Actuator NOE 7356895 | NAPA Auto Parts
I've used this kit from Napa. Much easier than cleaning up my old ones. Works just fine.
But I will add to check the tightness of your "Adjusting screws and Adjustment nuts" on the bell crank after a few hundred miles. Or your adjusting screw and nut will loosen themselves, back out and get lost forever, and throw off your parking brake/shoe specs. Ask me how I know.
You will need a good strong very heavy bench, or even better one that's bolted to the floor, a good vice and a heavy hammer, and som pen' oil.
If the crank ain't cranking it means you're not hitting it hard enough. Find the right place to hit it, or you'll chip it.
Upon your success fill up the boot with grease - fill it up, don't just put a dab in it.
That way you won't see this work again until 2025.
There is a very certain way of putting them back together. Very simple to understand but also important to do it the right way.
Following it will ensure you won't be getting under your truck to tinker with bolts and springs 25 times in the next two weeks. :bluejump:
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4RunnerPossibility
New member
I looked at a 1997 4Runner today, the E brake would not move an inch from down position. I drove it, and the vehicle drove nicely. 264000 miles, no rust under etc. I’m hoping it’s the bell cranks.
brillo_76
Elite Member
All it can be unless the ebrake cable is frozen at the handle. The bell cranks have been in issue since the 80s.. Need to keep them cleaned and well greased to be usable. However, not using the cable at all for extremely long periods of time can cause the cable itself to freeze and stick worst case.
