Who Uses the Parking Brake?

[ridefast]

Just came in from doing that for the first time! Then I guess to release, you just push it in some more and let go. (I hope)

Yup, start truck keep foot on brake, shift to D or R, release parking brake and go.

 

[sport2004]

Yup, start truck keep foot on brake, shift to D or R, release parking brake and go.

Not overly complicated, but will take some getting used to. I still occasionally fish around for the clutch with my left foot...LOL

 

[NMRed]

The most common reason for the parking brakes to seize up on the older vehicles is rust forming inside the cable sleeve where the cable mounts to the rear backing plate. It happened to both sides of my '03. I had to replace both cables, about a year apart. Which is a BIG PITA. I guess, looking back, that spraying a lubricant into this area once a year or so wouldn't hurt, and frequent exercise of the cable would also be a good idea.

I just bought a 2003 4x4 4Runner and the first time I took it wheeling I used the parking brake and the right rear stuck on. Should of checked before I bought, apparently the previous owner didn't use it. Its not an easy fix and could cost a bit to have someone else do the work. Currently not using until its fixed.

 

[wallytoo]

i use the parking brake in all of my vehicles, every time i get out of them. i have been able to instill this behavior in both of my kids, too. my wife? not so much.

if you live anywhere in the rust belt, using it all the time will keep it functioning. pretty soon it becomes a habit/routine.

 

[4Rager]

The most common reason for the parking brakes to seize up on the older vehicles is rust forming inside the cable sleeve where the cable mounts to the rear backing plate. It happened to both sides of my '03. I had to replace both cables, about a year apart. Which is a BIG PITA. I guess, looking back, that spraying a lubricant into this area once a year or so wouldn't hurt, and frequent exercise of the cable would also be a good idea.

Are you saying that's a frequent cause in general or related to 4R's specifically? I used to have this problem with my old stick shift Audi, but I was told it's because the cable jacket is compromised so there's water or condensation inside that freezes and prevents the cable from moving inside the jacket when you release it. Rust makes sense too are far as restricting cable movement or causing it to bind, but I can't see how that would be affected by freezing temps.

 

[Mojammin]

"Anyway, any pressing uses come to mind?"

I was working on my rig on the carport the other day at a nice incline. while I was sprawled out under the rig I thought this MIGHT be a good time to engage it for the first time

 

[mayneattraction]

It's been a force of habit since I started driving in 1977.

 

[TechWrench]

Are you saying that's a frequent cause in general or related to 4R's specifically? I used to have this problem with my old stick shift Audi, but I was told it's because the cable jacket is compromised so there's water or condensation inside that freezes and prevents the cable from moving inside the jacket when you release it. Rust makes sense too are far as restricting cable movement or causing it to bind, but I can't see how that would be affected by freezing temps.

It stands to reason, that if rust is forming in a specific area, there probably is moisture involved. So, freezing temps could very well solidify this moisture and restrict the movement of the cable inside the sleeve.

I can't say this same issue involves all other vehicle makes. But given the placement of the brake cables on the underside of the vehicle, and the amount of water splashed around down there, is it not surprising that failures of this type would occur, especially on older vehicles?

 

[jrm]

I liked the hand activated 3rd gen parking brake

b/c you could drag it down steep slippery shit when you felt the wheels break loose. Now, DAR takes all the fun out of it...

 

[sport2004]

b/c you could drag it down steep slippery shit when you felt the wheels break loose. Now, DAR takes all the fun out of it...

The stick shift sedans I drove always had the PB lever on the console.

K, this is a combination old school, redneck and neanderthal, but came in very handy when my front pads and rotors were overly worn, noisy and grinding. I would apply a bit of pedal and then pull the PB, while keeping my thumb depressing the release-button on the end of lever, to assist coming to a stop.

However, I deny ever lowering a foot through the gaping hole in the floor of my Beetle, à la Flintstone.

 

[Dewfang]

It's been a force of habit since I started driving in 1977.

Same here even the 1977 part!
Damn that's a long time...


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[jrm]

Or doing J-turns & 360s

The stick shift sedans I drove always had the PB lever on the console.

K, this is a combination old school, redneck and neanderthal, but came in very handy when my front pads and rotors were overly worn, noisy and grinding. I would apply a bit of pedal and then pull the PB, while keeping my thumb depressing the release-button on the end of lever, to assist coming to a stop.

However, I deny ever lowering a foot through the gaping hole in the floor of my Beetle, à la Flintstone.

In the rain/snow/dirt...Looking back its pure luck that I didnt mess myself up or died i swear :beer:

 

[TechWrench]

b/c you could drag it down steep slippery shit when you felt the wheels break loose. Now, DAR takes all the fun out of it...

The center console PB handle was also great for initiating a rear wheel 'drift' when driving a front wheel drive car.............:naughty: Used to be a lot of fun in empty parking lots during winter.

 

[tvpierce]

Mine gets used once per year: when it goes in for its safety inspection.

 

[sport2004]

The center console PB handle was also great for initiating a rear wheel 'drift' when driving a front wheel drive car.............:naughty: Used to be a lot of fun in empty parking lots during winter.

Ooh, you guys are baaaad...

 

[geirvmax]

Its always a good idea to use your parking brake when parking.Thats why they call it a parking brake. when you put your transmission in park the only part that is holding your 4500+lbs vehicle from rolling is the parking pawl. locks the transmission from moving. Its also good to use your parking brake because it ensures everything is moving freely and doesn't seize from not being used.

(parking pawl in transmission picture. not a 4runner but a general picture on what it looks like)

This makes sense. Will change my habit

 

[geirvmax]

Toyota does not recommend using the parking brake in the winter. (Page 269 in the 2016 T4R manual)

 

[tpetsch]

Always use it in a Manual.

Almost never use it in the Auto TR4.

...But I would use it a whole lot more if it was a hand break.

 

[MikeNH]

Toyota does not recommend using the parking brake in the winter. (Page 269 in the 2016 T4R manual)

I've never had a parking brake freeze up on anything I've owned. I use my parking brake on anything but totally flat ground. It's probably just Toyota covering their butt. I wouldn't let temperature dictate use of the parking brake if you're on a hill.

 

[geirvmax]

Always use it in a Manual.

Almost never use it in the Auto TR4.

...But I would use it a whole lot more if it was a hand break.

Wish T4R came with a hand brake instead of a foot engaged parking brake!!