javadoody

when e brake is on for an extended time, overnight for instance, the handle won't fully disengage and the light stays on (the brake itself is completely off). if i tap the handle going down the road for a few minutes it goes off. i'm sure it's an adjustment, somewhere, but not sure where to start. any ideas? thanks.

martinfan30

Your handle mechanism is freezing up. Or possibly the cable or the actuators at the backing plates. WD40 is your friend.

TheDurk

Is the brake ON when it is supposed to be? Does it hold on a hill? If you yank the handle while rolling on soft dirt do both sides lock up? That will tell you if you need to check the bellcrank on either side or possibly go further into the brake. You can also look at the bellcrank (the little lever on the back of the drum brake that the e-brake cable attaches to) and see if they both move when handle is operated. If they do, and brakes are working, then it's probably the handle itself. I personally doubt you will find both are working perfectly.

Beto

On my old '98 Taco, there was a linkage on underneath on the frame about midway down the driver's side with an adjusting nut on it. The e-brake cable shouldn't have a bunch of slack in it, but it shouldn't be strung like a violin string either. You should pull on the cables to see if you need to take up a bit of slack, that will help the handle retract all the way. Mine did that for 2 years, worse in the winter before I tightened it - drive for a block or two and it would retract.

Or, on the 2002 4 runner, with the handle between the seats, I just checked the FSM attached is adjustment procedure.

javadoody

thanks durk, yes the brake works fine, holds fine. the only issue is the handle not retracting.
wd in hand, i'll also check the cable tension. sounds exactly like your problem beto. appreciate you 3 helping me out!

crazy4runner

Ok so how do you fix a e brake when it doesn't work but e brake light is on? It does not hold at all period so I have to put it into first gear to park the car please help?

Lukeste

javadoody- id think it just needs lubrication
crazy4runner- you should probably check the cable tension to the left rear drum and if its loose you can tighten it using the turn buckle. Have someone else pull the ebrake while you look to see if its moving the bellcrank/lever arm. You might also want to take off the rear drum and check to make sure everything else is connected correctly.

crazy4runner

Thanks guy I gotta fix, it just need a adjustment since it's all rust up lol....took a while to figure where it was at lol I'm still a newbie here so thanks