over the past year my parking brake seems to have "stretched out" and pulls a lot further out then it used to. I'm not even sure its working as well as it used to. Just wondering if it's tough to adjust this. The dealer <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/bird.gif" alt="" /> said it wasnÆt covered under warranty, it was normal wear and tear. Thanks.

Matt

Pretty easy to adjust, look under the truck about mid ways back and you will see the cable where it splits off into 2 cables. There is an adjuster at that point. With the park brake lightly set, turn the adjuster nut to tighten it up.

Yes it's normal wear and tear, no sweat you can adjust it in under 10 minutes. On my 99' v6 4x4 the adjustment is under the truck, about where the drivers door is. Just look under the truck and follow the cables. You loosen a jam nut, then spin the adjuster nut until you have the desired slack in the cable, then tighten up the jam nut. You might want an adjustable wrench or pair of vice grips to hold the cable still while you spin the adjuster nut. It's a no brainer once you see how it works. <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/kewl.gif" alt="" />

thanks fellas. I didn't think it would be a big deal. Just didn't know where to start looking. Now, i just need some warm weather!!!

Just a thought, before you adjust your parking brake, check your rear brake drums, make sure you tighen up your shoes back there first. This adjustment will help tighten your parking brake also and maybe you will not need to mess with your parking brake cable at all.

how tough is it to tighten the rear brakes? and how do i know if they're lose? I've never really dealt with brakes too much. I always wanted to learn how to change my own brakes because i've heard it's not that bad. I guess now is a good time to get familiar with the them.

I have two articles for you.

Toyota Rear Brake Job
4Runner Brake Replacement
scroll half way down the page for rear brakes.

hey thanks for the articles. Doesn't sound like too big a job. Once the weather gets better, i'll give it a try. Thanks again! <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/cheers.gif" alt="" />

2-17-04 As stated, you should adjust the rears. I believe using the parking brake does that. So use it frequently.

Ed, i don't think i understand what you're saying. If you use your parking break it adjusts the rear brakes?? I use my parking brake very frequently.