2nd gen parking brake questions

Ok, so I decided to finally tackle the drum brake squeaking. I got everything done nice and pretty. I reset the shoes(locked the drum, reversed the star 15 clicks). The brakes perform beautifully. The problem comes with the parking brake (foot pedal,release style). The brake won't engage fully at full extension, meaning in neutral on a decline I engage the brake and the truck continues forward. But the parking brake is attempting to grab the drum.

The question is: if I rule out the drum adjustment. Done correctly, no mushy brakes. Could it be the parking brake cable adjustment I need next. I get about 7-8 clicks from the pedal which it nominal for the factory spec. Thoughts????

Truck Specs :
2005 V6 4x4 access can
CAI, Flowmaster stainless exhaust, 3 in skyjack lift, 285/70/17 Cooper ATP

 

Check your e-brake cables, right where they bolt to the drum brake backing plate. If you pull on the cable sheath and it pulls away from the aluminum piece that bolts to the backing plate you need new cables.

 

I'll definitely look at that. However, the parking brake engaged just fine and strong before I started messing with the drums. So I feel like the cables are good, just out of adjustment

 

If you look inside the truck on the pedal itself there is an adjustment nut on the end of the cable where it attaches to the pedal . I did mine last week. Use a 10mm wrench and give it a couple of turns check pedal and repeat in needed. I had to tighten mine about 3/16 of an inch befor it felt like it was holding the truck on a incline.

 

In my auto v6, the cable from the pedal goes to some linkage under the shift trim where each drum's cable gets connected to the linkage as well

 

So did you "un-adjust" the star wheel by 15 clicks?
The preferred way to adjust the rear shoes is with the rear in the air drum and wheel installed, remove the access plug from the backing plate and spin each wheel adjusting one "click" at a time until the wheel starts to drag slightly, then one or two more clicks. THEN, step on the pedal 3 or 4 times and recheck, if the drag is good, repeat procedure on the other side. If this doesn't yield a parking brake that holds the truck, then the parking brake pedal has adjustments available...too much info for this reply...google it, I'm sure somebody has posted a video on boobtube.

 

jeffsa, I prefer the FSM method. not much for "redneck engineering" that usually ends bad and gets people hurt. so ran the shoes tight, then backed them off 15 clicks. albeit, old timer methods still work and are valid. Im not much for feel this,hear that. Specs are specs for a reason cant help it.

other scott, Just like stated above, does this fall under the FSM or is that just an observation that worked? i know what nut you are talking about. that would adjust the pedal higher, thus giving you move range to push down (contacting the shoes to the drum). but again the FSM shows the only proper linkage adjust for the drums under the console. I would adjust the nut you were referring to if I didnt get the appropriate clicks.

but i will take your guys experience and advice and try these methods. Thanks

 

I don't know how the industry standard is "redneck engineering"

 

.....sub'd

EDIT: Found the following reading interesting.

http://www.tacomahq.com/1668/toyota-tacoma-drum-brakes-last-long/

 

jeffsa,

Let me re-phrase a bit, sorry. That may be the industry standard way of doing it, however the FSM and the Haynes manual for the truck do not call for that method to adjust or otherwise install them (someone correct me if im wrong,Please). Im not saying it does not work, I had a Ford ranger that it worked beautifully on.

I tried the method you suggested before i attempted to look at a written procedure. I let them drag then backed them of slightly, that is when I realized I didnt have a parking brake (no pressure at all, not even drag when engaged) AND my foot brake had a spongy feel and very little pressure when applied.

When i readjusted using the FSM method(lock'em up, then 15 clicks reverse) i got my foot pedal back perfectly and my parking brake is slightly engaging the drum. when i apply it in neutral on a downgrade you can hear and feel it grabbing and slipping.This is why i am led to believe it a slightly loose cable adjustment because by the factory standards(procedures) the foot brake actuation/pressure is right on the money.

The parking brake spec is 7-10 clicks of travel when you apply your foot, I have the right amount of travel/clicks. Which is why i will not mess with the nut above the pedal assembly itself. Which is why I'm convinced the linkage in the console needs a slight adjustment.

However I have been toying with the idea of just clicking the stars 2 more clicks a piece jsut to see if it helps/hurts before i do the cable, Thoughts?

BTW nice 68 firebird, I have a 69 camaro myself 307/TH350/10 Bolt- upcoverted to a 4bbl 600cfm electric choke. Its not a powerhouse, but definitely a cruiser. Its my project, I would love to pick your brain about that more then the tacoma.

Anyway damn this post is long lol

 

If you parking brake was working prior, why would you need to adjust your linkage? Sounds like your brake shoes are still not adjusted correctly.

FYI, haynes manuals are a joke.

 

Thanks, for the "Bird" thumbs up. Wouldn't hurt to try adjusting them again, you may want to double check the installation as well, lots of parts in there. Without putting eyeballs on the truck it's hard to say what else it could be.

 

vereor- I agree they are not the best publication, however they are still full of good knowledge, hence why i prefer the FSM, TSM/B and ESMs

Jeffsa, I plan on rechecking the adjustment of the shoes . Don't really want to tear the console out again. do you think clicking each side a few times,test drive repeat untill parking brake engages and shoes dont rub will work?

 

Have you checked your brake cables as mentioned yet?
After doing my brakes I noticed one of my cables would pull away from the back of drum. I checked the driver side and it did not. Days after the driver side broke. Parts are cheap kinda but looks like a pia. My frame was coated and I keep it fresh so it will be a dirty job.

 

I have not yet, but i will tomorrow providing it inst pouring here in sunny Baltimore. Im no stranger to dirty jobs, its my forte. doing the drum star adjustment is a pain in the D***. couldnt wedge myself good enough between the shock, leaf and axle. even with the wheel off. any recommendations?

 

I did mine from underneath.
They have special bent flat blades this was my first go with drums for some time. All the springs suck!

 

The method that the OP stated for the rear drum adjustment is correct exactly as the Toyota Field Service Manual states. Tighten until the wheel locks and back off 15 clicks of the star wheel adjuster.

Toyota Field Service Manual for the Parking Brake Cable adjustment under the shift lever center console:



ADJUST PARKING BRAKE PEDAL TRAVEL (for Automatic Transmission)

(a) Confirm that the parking brake pedal is released.
(b) Loosen the lock nut A and turn the adjusting nut B until the parking brake pedal travel is corrected to the specified value.
(c) Tighten the lock nut. Torque: 13 N*m (127 kgf*cm, 9 ft.*lbf)
(d) Check whether the parking brake drags or not.
(e) When operating the parking brake pedal, check that the parking brake pedal indicator light comes on.

ADJUST PARKING BRAKE LEVER TRAVEL (for Manual Transmission)

(a) Confirm that the parking brake lever is released.
(b) Loosen the lock nut A and turn the adjusting nut B until the parking brake lever travel is corrected to the specified value.
(c) Tighten the lock nut. Torque: 13 N*m (127 kgf*cm, 9 ft.*lbf)
(d) Check whether the parking brake drags or not.
(e) When operating the parking brake lever, check that the parking brake lever indicator light comes on.

 

Just checked the drum cables, they are attached and firmly I might add and in good shape

 

Well at least it takes the cables out of the equation.

 

Well, after tearing the wheels back off, readjusting the drums (15 clicks from lock up), then 7-10 back to firm the pedal brake up for good stopping power. I still have little to no parking brake. Adjusted the parking brake cable under the console and that helped a bit but I'm probably going to do it more to try and see if it grips more without dragging the drum. Ugh almost makes me want to take it in for service. I am a bit defeated but I am not out yet