Handbrake issue

[Wilson]

I’m currently stumped with my ’02 4Runner. I can’t recall when I noticed it or how it got to that point but I’ll try my best to explain it.

I was driving the truck and I was parked on a sloped grassy area with the nose down. To ensure that I can shift out of Park easily, I pulled up the handbrake to hold the truck. I move my foot from the brakes and it rolled to rest. I was surprised. I lowered the handbrake and placed the truck in drive. I raised the handbrake as far it will go and it moved with no resistance. I moved the truck to a level area and applied the handbrake. Again, the truck moved with no resistance. So I pulled the handbrake and I felt no resistance at all.

I know the truck had the brakes replaced for all four wheels. I removed the drum and inspected the brakes. The shoes have plenty of meat left. In addition, there wasn’t much brake dust when I removed the drums. I cleaned off the area with brake cleaner and I pressed on the brakes to confirm that the wheel cylinder was working and the shoes are moving, and it is. I looked at the parking brake assembly and I saw nothing off about it.

I do recall using the handbrake when I put the truck on ramps to change the oil and it was after the brakes were changed. There was resistance and it didn’t budge an inch. It’s been over a year since it’s been changed. No one has touched the vehicle except for me and the place that changed the brakes and I haven’t touched the brakes except for moving the dust shield for the front driver side because of noise.

I’ve done some research on the matter and there was mention of the bell crank behind the drum brakes. I’ve inspected the bell crank and see that it is “functioning” as it should. Passenger Side. Driver Side.

Is this normal? I was able to fit my thumb on the driver side quite easily and I have fat fingers. And this is with the handbrake 9 clicks up.

Topic

[Billy]

What procedure are you following to adjust the parking brake?

[Wilson]

That’s the thing, I haven’t found any clear procedures on adjusting it. One of them says to use the adjuster screw, another will say crank the handbrake multiple times. I haven’t found anything that can relate to this truck.

[Billy]

1. Remove the wheels.
2. Loosen the handle adjuster nut.
3. Tighten one brake till it binds, then back it off 2 clicks.
4. Do the same on the other side.
5. Tighten the handle adjuster nut to 7-9 clicks.

[Wilson]

The Handle Adjuster Nut, are you referring to the self adjuster that’s in the drum?

[Author]

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