Had to replace the brake cable from the cab handle to the bracket. First off the FSM has NO mention of this, totally in the dark. Disengaging the cable end from the handle is a total mystery. <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/confused.gif" alt="" /> Wound up snapping off the brass colored switch lever - it needs to come out in order to remove the cable end. After ramming out the stub with a mallet and drift pin <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/scared.gif" alt="" /> I drilled and tapped the hole for a 1/4-20 1" screw replacement [for next time!.]

Then on to the underbody bracket where the old cable end was completely rusted onto the retaining pin. Big hammer time - backed it with a block of wood and finally drove it out after much effort. <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/angry.gif" alt="" />

Totally over / misengineered fiasco - only Toyota could turn a simple parking brake handle into a %^&*ing ordeal like that. <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/frown.gif" alt="" />

Rust!!!!!!! What's that?No brake cable problems here in sunny Arizona.

lol, I don't remember having much trouble replacing the cable on my Runner a while back. I'm thankful I don't live in the rust belt! <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/nana.gif" alt="" />

The cable itself is plastic coated and had zero rust. The underbody cable end eyelet was rusty but still in fine shape - the cable snapped exactly where the swaged-on eyelet sleeve meets the cable. The salt must impregnate that tiny seam and go to work and/or there must be a stress concentration there from swaging on the eyelet. I made sure to smear lots of marine grease on the new eyelet end before installation - I'll make it a point to soak that whole pivot bracket in WD-40 every so often.

Cable is only a $40 part but what a PITA to install!

My biggest gripe is that the $$$ FSM had no mention of the incredibly complex and non-obvious way to disengage the handle side cable end - it is impossible to do without removing the handle from the cab and taking it to the bench [unless of course there is a dreaded 'special tool' to push out the switch lever/retainer in place.]

BTW my FSM has no mention of the fuel filter either , would not have a clue how to disconnect the pump in order to bleed pressure, etc. if not for advice like this forum.

I started replacing my front parking brake cable this morning. It broke exactly where jmoser's did. Dang, it is a PITA! <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/angry.gif" alt="" /> I also could not figure out how to disconnect it from the handle. I also broke the little brass colored pin. I thought it might screw out, nope. It's pressed in. I ordered another one, $2. Then underneath, at the other end of the cable where it ends in a loop that is swaged-on, the loop is totally rusted to the pin. It ain't coming out. I've got it soaked and will try again tomorrow. I ordered a new pin too, $1.50.

Also, don't take the handle all the way out. It's hell to get back in. You have to magically hold the lock thingy out of the way while feeding the handle back in.

But, the old one is out and the new one is in, but not functional. I need a nap.