E Brake sticking

Hi



I have a 2004 Tacoma TRD and the brake light on the dash keeps coming on while driving. I have played around with the E brake (the pull trigger, turn handle, and push in to release type) and it seems that the E brake handle is not releasing all the way. For example, when the handle is released, I can still push it slightly further (1 cm) with my finger and the light will go out. However, as soon as I hit a bump in the road the light will come back on.



Does anyone know if I can fix this myself and how?



Just in case it matters, I recently had the brakes checked because I thought they were getting worn (they were fine) and had the brake fluid topped off so it seems to be an E brake problem.



Thank you.

Reply 1 : E Brake sticking

Possible cables, belcranks or adjustment issues. The twits shouldn't have topped of the fluid. As the fluid goes down it lets you know when you need brakes.

Reply 2 : E Brake sticking

I brought this in to be checked at a Toyota Dealership and they checked the brakes and topped off the brake fluid, which they said was a little low. I will ask them about this the next time I see them.



The actual problem turned out to be the spring located underneath the drivers side door (attached to the frame). It needed some lubrication to let it release fully. I actually found this out from a guy at the Tacomaworld forum.



Thanks for the info.

Reply 3 : E Brake sticking

Reply 4 : E Brake sticking

Thanks. I actually found another solution that also works. Underneath the truck (about under the drivers side seat) there is a spring that attaches to the frame of the truck. It is the spring that releases the e brake cable to the rear wheels. If you lubricate that spring and work it with your hand some to get it nicely lubed, then the spring will almost snap back and fully release the handle in the truck, which will make the handle hit the trigger and go out. The only problem is that the spring takes a lot of junk in the winter and you have to keep doing it over time. I may try your solution to see if it also helps.



Thanks!

Reply 5 : E Brake sticking

Yes, keep that pivot point lubed and also the e-brake springs on the rear wheels. I give each of mine a thorough shot of PB Blaster about every 5k miles--especially in the winter. They notoriously grab, especially during northeast winters....doesn't need to grab much and your pulling your rear wheel down the road rather than it pushing you!

Reply 6 : E Brake sticking

Ok so right after thinking I had the problem fixed the light is coming back on. So, definitely going to try your solution (duck tape on the plunger to hit the trigger). Also going to lube up the pivot point underneath the seat again and also on the rear wheels. Might as do it all since this winter has been hard on the truck. Thanks.

Reply 7 : E Brake sticking

Good luck--let me know if it works out!

Reply 8 : E Brake sticking

Here is a reply to a post over three years ago. The scissors spring was my culprit. And I keep the rear brakes adjusted to 7 clicks or less, as it really does make a difference.

Quote:

Originally Posted by riceye I suggest pulling the rear drums and cleaning up all of the rear brake components, paying close attention to the self adjusting mechanisms. Lube as needed, re-assemble, and adjust up the brakes manually until you get the slightest drag. My parking brake was pretty poor before performing this maintenance. Now it engages with just 3 or 4 clicks. The front brakes are so good, I hardly noticed that the rears needed adjustment. And you live in PA. Just like in WI, your vehicles are subject to "iron oxide errors". Cheers! ps- after rereading your original post, it sounds more like an issue with the scissors spring, which pulls the brake lever back against the switch in the dash. This spring is located in the pivot assembly under the driver side of the cab as shown below: I removed the pivot bolt and added a bushing between the spring and the pivot bolt to keep the spring and bolt concentric. Between the bushing and the rear brake adjustment, it works great. Hope yours turns out well.

Reply 9 : E Brake sticking

Thanks for the great advice. As a follow up, does anyone know how to adjust the handle or e brake cable to reduce the number of clicks when you pull the e brake handle. I am getting about 20, which I think is high and want to tighten the handle so it is fewer. I have been told that 12-18 is a good number. Anyone know how to do this?

Reply 10 : E Brake sticking

As for the e-brake adjustment, be sure your rear brakes are adjusted up so that they just begin to drag - just the very slightest bit. And be sure your bell cranks on the top of the backing plate are free to pivot, and not corroded. Use the search on this site for "bell crank" for info on that. They are very important to the function of the parking brake system.



The picture I posted is of a 1998 vintage Tacoma, and I am not sure if newer models differ considerably. Anyway, the picture shows the e-brake pivot when viewed from below the driver's side of the cab looking up at the frame rail. The adjustment nut is just to the right of the arrow tip, and up a bit.



Do the rear wheel adjustment first!