I've got a 97 automatic, and the e-brake lever is extremely hard to pull up. It only clicks maybe 3 times, and it doesn't brake well. I pulled over on a side road on a small incline, put it in neutral, and pulled the e-brake lever. The 4Runner rolled slowly. I've searched and found ways to tighten the lever, but this thing needs loosened at the lever, but tighter at the brakes. What can I do to adjust this?

check the condition of your rear brakes to begin with, something isnt working right

remove the center console so you expose the ebrake mechanism. there are two opposing nuts on the ebrake. you will have to loosen the top one (upwards) and then tighten the lower one against it (again, upwards). this will relieve the tension. i believe your ebrake should have about 8 - 10 clicks before firmly catching.

bob

Thanks guys. I will be looking at all the brakes here soon. I just got it, and I haven't had much time to check everything. However, the braking on the ride home was fine. There wasn't any vibration while stopping, and it seemed to stop fairly easily. I will remove the center console and look. I've adjusted my Tacoma before, but that's a different application.

empty your center console storage thing and there are two bolts there. i think 10mm. at the front of the cc, there are two philips screws. remove those and then the whole she bang will come off

bob

Thanks again. I'll give that a try.