By mistake I drove my 4Runner back home after the Veterans' Day celebration with the hand-brakes up. It was about 15 miles of driving. I noticed a mild burnt rubber smell as I pulled into the garage, and only discovered my mistake the next time I was pulling out of the garage.

I am worried if this has done any damage to the vehicle. Are the hand brakes different from the regular brakes? Shall I have them inspected?

Please advise?

Thanks.

 

The hand brake works the rear drums only. Did you notice any difficulty driving? If not they probably weren't set real good and chances are you just heated them up. Might be worth your time to pull the drums and see how much pad is left. Didn't that big red light on your dash give it away? Good thing it wasn't oil pressure or the temp eh? LOL Just kidding. Couldn't resist giving you crap for that one!

 

Noticed the red light on the dash only the next time. Dang, I wasn't paying attention.. I think the brakes were not pulled up too tight, because I did'nt notice the drag. I never use the hand brakes, and this was the first time since I parked on a slope. Guess I am not going to worry about it now.

 

My rear drums need to be replaced and from what I have seen it's not a difficult operation, other than the cost of pads and some of your time it's a relatively inexpernsive oversight...

 

The brake must not have been set all the way, because just this last weekend I tried to drive off with mine set and I didn't move at all, the engine reved upto about 2000 or so rpm and i wasn't going anywhere:pat:
-Bryan

 

don't worry about it, you're fine.

Steve

 

yea, its only 15 miles..your good to go....i rented a van once and couldn't find the ebrake so i drove 200 miles with it on...man i felt like the van was SUPER heavy and sluggish..heheh

 

Next time Chih, I drive!

Dr. Z

 

I think you are going to fine. If it was up really high, you would FEEL it dragging.

 

Everything feels normal and smooth, so I am not going to worry about it. Thanks for all the advise.

This is a great forum!!!