Emergency brake won't hold....

Hey folks, the emergency brake on my 2004 Tacoma V6 4x4 won't hold, even on the slightest hill.
- I've replaced the cable from the brake handle in the cab that runs down through the floor and connects to the rear cable, underneath.
- I've tightened the nut to its fullest extent where the two cables connect to each other, underneath.
- I've replaced the brake shoes on each side at the back wheels, as well as all the springs - also gave the areas a good cleaning.
- I've lubed all moving parts of the brake cables both inside, and outside the drums.

None of the cables look frayed. You might tell from my verbage that I'm not a mechanic; I'm at a loss as to what to do next.

Any ideas will be very much appreciated!!!!!

 

If you have tightened the nut to the fullest extent it is time to pull the drums and look at the brake shoes and replace or adjust the shoes closer to the drum.

 

Have you tried watching what happens at the rear wheel while someone pulls the brake for you? Could try filming it if no one is around. I would confirm that the bell cranks are being pulled out when the brake is engaging. If that is the case it must be something with the brakes themselves. When you installed the new shoes did you ensure that the shoes would make contact with the drums when engaging the bell crank? Or did you make sure they were set to whatever the proper spec/clearance is?

 

Welcome to the forum!!


Did you just forget to mention adjust the brakes?

Without correct adjustment once the drums are installed .

The parking brake will never work.

 

https://youtu.be/IJkVEBYSecs?si=tyBXRa0Awgd8pBjp

 

I have the opposite. I think mine is sticky and won't allow me to roll freely. Time to take off wheels and check adjustments.

 

If you tightened the bolt above the rear axle where the two cables come together, it may be too tight. Try yanking on the two cables on the back and see if the actuator on the wheels is fully deploying and then releasing when you let go. My bolt above my axle was too tight and there was no movement, so I loosened that and then fluid filmed it. Then I pulled at the boot where the brake actuator ( I don't know if it's actually called that) is and fluid filmed that as well. After yanking on the cable and repeating that process, eventually I got free movement. Then I just tightened the adjustment nut and it seems to be working fine now.

 

When my parking brake began slipping, an inspection of the drums and shoes revealed a major rear axle seal and bearing failure with diff fluid dribbling all down the back plate and out the drum down the inside sidewall of the rear tire.

subsequently soaking the brake shoes and rendering them useless.

Mike