Adjust Parking Brake Tension, 2010 Prerunner??

Hey gang- I tried searching for threads relating to this, but failed.

Does anyone know how to adjust the parking brake on a Manual Trans 2nd gen, to make it stiffer? I have a mild hill for a driveway, and really have to yank on the e-brake to get her to hold. Thanks mucho

 

First - take it to the dealer and have them adjust it / check it.

Afterall, it could be something else and perhaps the rear drums need checked too.

 

OK, while I'll admit that what you say is possible, the truck doesn't even have 500 miles on it. I really think I just need to tighten up the e-brake cable to suit my taste/needs... and don't want to sit at the dealer waiting... but I don't know how to do it. Thanks, though

 

Dealer.. 500 miles, And you dont think it's right... The parking brake should hold firmly about 14.16 clicks out. Also, check the manual.. this book is handy...

 

Jack up the rear wheels so both are off the ground, then on the back of the rear wheel drums you'll see a rubber grommet near were the brake line attaches (its about 1 inch long grommet). Remove the grommet and shine a light in there, you'll see the adjuster that has teeth on it, use a flat screwdriver and adjust in a upward manner (you'll here it click as you adjust). Adjust it a couple a clicks and then spin the wheel your adjusting to see how freely it spins. Typically we adjust it till you here a very slight drag between the drum and shoe, hope this helps

 

cjimenRR- that's the info I was looking for- thank you! Thanks to al others for their input as well.

 

It's not the point..... You paid $$$$ for a new truck and it's not right. Something could be wrong from the factory. That's what warrantee is for....

Personally, I'd just take it in because if something happens with the brakes later on...and you actually need warrantee work......they might discover that you were adjusting things and deny warrantee coverage. That's worse case scenario...but something to think about.

You can adjust brakes a couple different ways....
What cjimenRR suggested is only an adjustment on the shoes and could be temporary. These drum brakes should be auto adjusting and you shouldn't need manually adjust them like that..... something could be wrong with the adjuster mechanism. Also, the ebrake cable could be out of adjustment from factory.... You really don't know for sure what is wrong.

 

OK, Janster- fair enough! You make a good point. I'll give 'em a call.

 

You never know what could happen as it goes down the line during production. I am a firm believer of doing it yourself, but when its free and since it is new, let them do it and have them do the whole safety check of the brake system, etc.

 

Kinda making a big deal out of this aren't you guys? They ship these trucks with the e-brake at it's highest (while still within spec) brake clearance so that if water enters the drums during shipping for whatever reason the drums don't get stuck to the shoes. Same reason they put cardboard cut outs on the front rotors, so they won't rust or seize onto the pads.


RV7 save yourself a trip and loss of your valuable time by adjusting them the way i mentioned, I've been doing this on my Toyota's and customers Toyota's for the last 10 years at my job and you have nothing to worry about. I would adjust them till I get about 5-6 clicks on the e-brake handle, too much adjustment and you could overheat the rear brakes. If that don't put you at ease then by all means take it to the dealer but be prepared to leave the same way it came in because if they find the e-brake to be within Toyota's spec they wont adjust them

 

I didnt like mine either, so i parkd on a steep hill and applied the park brake with a moderate pull. It held. Taht 14-16 cilcks sounds like a good check, thank s Janster.

 

Never did like that T handle parking brake on the MT. They always seem to get loose too quickly.

 

Sorry for dragging up an old thread.
I removed the grommet and I can't see the where the adjuster is. How far in is the adjuster? Anyone else successfully do this?

 

NEVERMIND, zombie thread, no point in replying.