Emergency brake system repair

Now for my next problem. What is the most likely issue with my emergency brake pedal not moving? Don't remember when I Iast used it but I know it's been along time. I don't dare push down too hard bc I don't want something to break or get jammed and have the back wheels locked up. Where should I start and how major of a job is this? It's on a 2005.
Thanks

 

Brake cables rusted would be top of my list to check.

 

Two things to start with. It is a parking brake not an emergency brake. It should be applied every time vehicle is parked and should be applied prior to putting trans into park. The park mechanism in the trans is not designed to hold the vehicle. The parking brake is.

 

Sure I know I should have been doing that and now I pay the consequences. Is there some procedures that you guys have gone thru with this? Where can I find a layout of the parking brake system so I know what to check. Thanks

 

The system is pretty simple.

There is brake shoes, levers, adjusters and hardware in each brake drum

There is a foot pedal or handle/lever up in the cabin

And parking brake cables in between

I'd start in the back by taking the rear brake drums off. Have a helper push on the brake pedal very slowly and see if the brake shoes move and expand slightly. They should, otherwise the front brakes have been doing all the work..

Next, push on the parking brake levers with a pry bar or large screw driver in the direction the cable would normally pull it and you should also see the shoes move outward. This should create a bit of slack in the cable.

Lastly, disconnect the other end of the cable at the front where it attaches to the foot pedal assembly. If the pedal assembly now goes down then the cables are frozen stuck. Replace them

 

I snapped my parking break cable. Had a worn spot where the cable was contacting the frame and wore a hole through, allowing rust to form on the cable, and then when I applied the parking break, it stuck and wouldn't release. Had to replace the cables.
I'd look under the truck and follow the cable and see if you have a spot that is contacting the frame, or any other contact point. If not, the post above laid out a good plan.

 

Ok I will check that. Thanks Alex for the thorough breakdown of the steps I should take. That will be upcoming as my next project. Thanks

 

How can I find the toyota p/n for the cables? Driver side is rubbed thru. thanks

 

Ok found out the P/N. Has anyone ever used an aftermarket cable say from Raybestos or ac delco? I always use toyota but shipping for one of these is outrageous.

 

I used a Raybestos driver's side cable and it was fine. Apparently my DCLB cables are a bit rare because they're longer. OEM was discontinued..

 

So do you think it's worth using the raybestes vs OEM? It's allot cheaper. Thanks

 

Sure, it fit fine and seemed well built. I probably would've got oem if it was available but all I could find was raybestos on rock auto

It's just a cable, not like it's a electrical sensor or something

 

Just ordered the raybestes. Is there any specific installation procedures or specialized adjustment requirements? Never did one of these cables before on my 2005. Thanks