Emergency Brake Cable

I have a 97 Tacoma and recently my emergency brake has been getting harder and harder to apply. I've lubed and sprayed everything I could find underneath the truck associated with the e brake, springs,cables etc. but it's to the point where I can't pull it out far enough to engage the rear brakes anymore. I'm guessing that the entire cable and mechanism needs to be replaced? Was wondering if anyone else has had a similar problem and what the solution was. Any suggestions appreciated.

 

Sounds like something is binding in there. You could disconnect the cable where it attaches to the rear brake system and test that it moves freely. If you aren't having any dragging problems I'd be inclined to think it's the cable, or possibly binding in the handle mechanism itself. Disconnecting the cable at the other end (under the truck) and seeing if it is still hard would allow you to work backwards to check the rear brake system, and forward to check the cable and handle mechanism.

The cable is a little bit of a pain to remove completely, but not difficult (and may not be necessary). I replaced my own a couple of weeks ago.

I can take some pictures if it would help!

 

good idea...thanks I'll try it.

 

sounds like to have to adjust the "star" on the drums. google it up, that should help. it doesn't sound like a cable issue.