2005 prerunner parking brake suckage

recently bought an 05 prerunner. Love the truck, with the exception of the lousy rear drum brakes. I was kinda surprised to see drums on a Japanese vehicle to be honest. Anyway, the parking break is next to useless. When my wife parks noise down on a hill, the truck bounces back n fourth when she lets off the brake. This of course drives me into an OCD fit. This bouncing is not good for the tranny as I am told.

should I even worry about this? My wife just got pissed and told me to STFU when I told her to ease off the brakes slowly when parking on a hill.

 

I wouldn't worry about it. I don't know what downhill pitch your truck is when parking like that, but it is normal for that situation.

 

My parking brakes work fine, why do you assume they are lousy, other than they aren't disc? No need for rear discs.

 

Have you replaced the pads and adjusted them?

 

Great rear brakes last forever work well including the parking brake sounds like yours need some attention not surprising after all most 10 years.

 

X2

 

We just bought it recently. Brakes are good on it. Looking at the carfax report, the previous owner got the parking brake adjusted quite frequently, so I don't think its just me.

Drum brakes too me are outdated tech and something I associate with domestic car companies using to save a dollar. Just my opinion of course.This is my first Japanese vehicle that's had drums, which is why I was surprised. Guess I'll get it looked at/adjusted the next time its in for service.

The truck is awesome though. I hate getting in my little Honda during the week. We can't wait to go buy another when this one is paid for.

 

Enjoy your truck!

 

Thanks, we will

 

Rapid wear?

 

Our trucks have some of the best stopping distances in class. If the rears were discs, they would be too grabby and would probably lock up all the time.

 

I guess that makes sense, with there being little weight in the rear. Couldn't something like that be tuned, though.

 

It sounds like your parking brake is working just fine. When she releases the Parking Brake without holding down the foot brake the weight of the truck drops onto the transmission parking pawl. That is what causes the bouncing. Have her press the foot brake before releasing the parking brake and it will never be an issue.

You should never have to manually adjust the rear brakes ( parking brake ). They have automatic adjusters that should maintain proper clearance between the shoe and drum.

Rear drum brakes are perfect for a trucks light rear end.

 

I hate the park brake too. My plan is to rip out the system and install a line lock.

 

LOL, this is what I tried to explain to her when she told me to STFU!

 

I know that story! 31 Fucking years I've been hearing that song. :\

 

What I found to work well for mine that totally eliminates the "bouncing" as you call it, is to hold the brakes (foot pedal, of course) even after you shift into park and continue to hold them as you apply the parking brake. Never had the truck bounce when doing this. Never.

 

yup. I use park brake to take the pressure off the parking pawl in the tranny.

stop: foot brake, hold...put in park, smoosh parking brake.

start: foot brake, hold, start, put in drive, release parking brake. smoooooth

 

Never used my park brake with an automatic.

 

two reason I always use mine for overnight (I park on a slight grade)

1) I have seen a340 and a750 trannies opened up and looked at the parking pawl...they do wear out and sometimes crack. I like taking the pressure off it

2) parking brake pivots (bellcranks) and the parking brake cables will rust, rot, and seize if you never use them...then the one day you do use it, your brakes may lock to the drum without you realizing...leading to a worst case scenario, red hot drums that may start a fire or least case scenario, wear out pads and drums fast. daily use makes sure all the giblets stay working and loose