Nate C

Backed my 4R outta the garage and set my E-brake while I loaded my bikes on the rack.

Went to get in and the E-brake would not release... the handle would lower but I could NOT budge the truck at all. I crawled unerneath and yanked on the cables but it didn't seem to help any more than gently rocking the truck back and fourth in gear...


It finally released and I was on my way but I'd sure like to know how fix it.

Thanks!

1Runner

Nate, the same thing happened to me w/ my 96 taco. Out of all things Toyota, their e-brake design just plain blows.... This is what I did to free mine up. I bought a quality parts loosener (I used PB BLASTER) and crawled under my rig and sprayed the 4 corners where the e-brake cable attached to the inside of the hubs. You'll see the pivot pts and where it is binding up. Now spray all the places the cable splits/changes direction. I did this same thing every couple days for a few weeks. Then I started using the e-brake... but be careful how far you pull the handle out... for a while. Just get everything moving again. You have to be careful, I was told those cables can stretch.... Hope this helps you.

Victor

Mine was having a similar problem just before it broke. The cable had stretched where it enters the passenger compartment on the floorboard. It was binding pretty bad. Try the PB Blaster idea but while you are under the truck check the cable very closely for damage. It was an awkward job (working on your back under the dash) but wasn't terribly difficult.