How to Remove the Toyota MR2 Spyder Gas Tank & Replace the Parking Brake Cables

Here’s a detailed tutorial on how to remove the Toyota MR2 Spyder gas tank. I removed my gas tank to replace the parking brake cables which is a common issue with the ZZW30. FYI - one needs to remove the gas tank to replace the shifter cables or install the Hard Dog roll bar. Also, I followed the OEM service manual (aka the Bible) instructions to adjust the parking brake lever. Finally, along the way I covered how to remove the luggage compartment, seats, and center console. Please like and subscribe to the channel for more MRS content. Thx, AJ @relentlessracing
Check out my eStore www.relentlessracing.myshopify.com
I'll be adding more product lines soon.
Thx, AJ
@relentlessracing

[@Jumpjet701]

This is rather a common problem I'm afraid. The mild steel has zero corrosion resistivity treatments - no phosphate or cadmium, just bare steel. When a small amount of moisture gets in there, they start to rust. The inner diameter of the housing gets obstructed with corrosion products and start grabbing the inner cable. ​ This was a huge effort on your part to film, edit, and fix the problem. The MR2 community in forever in your debt.

[@RelentlessRacingAJ]

Thank you for the kind words and acknowledging my efforts to document this process. Pls subscribe and stay tuned for more automotive content. 👊

[@jwatson078555]

I wonder if it would be possible/advisable to introduce something like Bilt Hamber Dynax S50 to the interior of the cable?

[@jwatson078555]

I have watched hundreds of instructional videos for many varied cars (eg. Mk2 Renault Clio, M100 Lotus Elan, SE4 Reliant Scimitar GT, A70 Toyota Supra, Ford Puma, B5 VW Passat, TVR Tuscan Speed6...) This is the most detailed, clearly explained, comprehensive guide I've ever seen. You sir, are bloody exceptional. Edited to add: Liked, Subscribed, and will share on various UK MR2 Facebook and Reddit groups.

[@RelentlessRacingAJ]

Thank you for the kind words. -AJ

[@johnvirgin405]

Brilliant detailed video. Shows me exactly what I need to do. I only wish that my MR2 was as clean and rust free as yours! Many thanks for the content.

[@RelentlessRacingAJ]

Thanks for the kind words John. Hopefully, ur MRS isn’t too rusty. It is expensive to live in California, but at least the cars are relatively rust free. Pls subscribe for more automotive content. Thx again, AJ

[@ogrigoros131]

The best tutorial i have ever seen. Congratulations!

[@RelentlessRacingAJ]

Thank you. Pls check out the rest of my channel and SUBSCRIBE!!! Thx again AJ

[@ogrigoros131]

@@RelentlessRacingAJ i certainly subscribed

[@RelentlessRacingAJ]

@@ogrigoros131 much appreciated. Thx again AJ

[@Rideoutlife]

It took me 11 hours to do the replacement. Did it all based on your video. Thanks! A couple tips for those attempting it. 1. Try to drain your gas as much as possible. I did it with 5 gallons remaining and it was a total pain. 2. The hardest part is probably the grommets for the cable. Don't connect the cables to the E-brake at the center console until you've inserted the grommets. 2. The fuel line on the passenger side of the rear compartment, can squirt gas at you. So watch out. 3. Take your time.

[@RelentlessRacingAJ]

Nice. Good job. Thx for watching and commenting. Pls subscribe. Thx AJ

[@bheypuor]

You are the man! Thanks for posting part numbers and torque specs. Also helpful that you show the orientation of what's nearby. I'll have to do this on my Spyder and it doesn't seem too bad! Thanks for being so detailed.

[@RelentlessRacingAJ]

Thx for the kind words. Pls subscribe bc there’s a lot more automotive content coming. Thx again AJ 👊

[@reidladew6441]

Another set of cables replaced thanks to your video! Thank you for taking the time to make a thorough tutorial.

[@RelentlessRacingAJ]

Welcome. Pls subscribe for more automotive content. Thx again, AJ

[@aszilagyi100]

I appreciate your accuracy, when it comes to bolts. I’m always surprised by the number of people who try to describe a bolt size. By the socket size required to turn it, lol.

[@oneblueyedog]

Super great production value. Came to the vid hunting dropping the tank.

[@RelentlessRacingAJ]

Thx for the kind words. Pls subscribe and check out my other vids. Thx again AJ

[@velocity211]

excellent tutorial! need to replace my parking cables and shift cables and this video will make it a breeze. thanks!

[@RelentlessRacingAJ]

Very welcome. Thx for the kind words. Pls subscribe for more automotive content. Thx again, AJ

[@Catbert814]

Thanks for doing these videos!

[@RelentlessRacingAJ]

Welcome. Thx for watching and commenting. Pls subscribe and hit the notification bc there is more content coming. And of course, hit me up if you need any race car parts. Thx again, AJ

[@brandonturner3626]

Another great video. Thanks for all your helpful videos.

[@RelentlessRacingAJ]

Very welcome. Thanks so much for the kind words. Pls subscribe. Thx again AJ

[@guymoore5877]

Thanks for the great instructions!

[@RelentlessRacingAJ]

Appreciate the kind words. Pls subscribe for more MR2 content. Also, check out my eStore www.relentlessracing.myshopify.com

[@grantkilpatrick9348]

An excellent tutorial, thank you very much for putting in the effort to film the process. I will be doing this in a few days time, and thanks to you it does not seem so daunting. Liked and subscribed 👍

[@RelentlessRacingAJ]

Grant, you are welcome. I appreciate the kind words and subscribe. I hope you get a chance to check out more vids on my channel. Thx again, AJ

[@watchere]

Aj this is the cleanest underside of a car I have ever seen. All the ones i have seen are all full of rust and crud! Great tutorial! Always look forward to your content!

[@RelentlessRacingAJ]

She is pretty clean underneath. Who doesn’t love a California car? Thx for watching and commenting. Pls subscribe and stay tuned bc there’s more content coming. -AJ

[@OochPinnock]

Brilliant video, very detailed so that anybody could follow this. Thank you.

[@RelentlessRacingAJ]

Very welcome and thx for the kind words. Pls subscribe for more automotive content and check out my eStore www.shoprelentlessracing.com

[@AdventPoker]

Just used this video to change mine. Thank you so much man

[@RelentlessRacingAJ]

Very welcome. Pls subscribe. Thx AJ

[@williamturner264]

Thanks for the very detailed video all needed informations

[@RelentlessRacingAJ]

Very welcome. Thx for commenting. Pls subscribe bc there’s more MRS content coming soon. Thx again, AJ 👊

[@padge4112]

This is a fantastic guide but I'll just add a couple points from having done it today. I have a UK facelift MR2 (no A/C) for what its worth. @9.35 my fuel tank didn't have the top connector (with the toyota sticker) the hole was blanked off, however I did have an additional hose going into the fuel tank on the top near the middle of the tank attached via jubilee clamp which isn't accessible through the access panel until the tank is lowered down 5-10cm. A 1/4inch drive 10mm socket on a long extension was very useful. @14.55 I couldn't see those 2 evap hoses, but unlike your guide I disconnected the leftmost hose on the top of the tank @9.35 and in disconnecting the additional hose I've just mentioned (+ the others on top of the tank and the filler tube) there was no issues removing the tank completely. Just wanted others to know it may be slightly different than pictured here. I don't recall having the dip on the left side of my tank like the one pictured at @18.27 and also I did not have the evap unit under the door bin, which is likely why the above was different, wonder if this a US spec thing. Thanks again!

[@RelentlessRacingAJ]

Thx for the update…. very well documented. Perhaps, EVAP is only a USDM thing. Pls subscribe and thx again for watching and commenting. -AJ

[@mau7228]

Thank you very much , things like this video make it easy good work

[@RelentlessRacingAJ]

Thank for your kind words. Pls subscribe for my automotive content. Thx again AJ

[@georgesammut2836]

Very well explained, indeed. Thank you....

[@RelentlessRacingAJ]

Welcome and thank you for the kind words. Pls subscribe for more MRS content coming soon

[@diehardcat]

Thank you very much. It's just what I've been looking for!

[@RelentlessRacingAJ]

Welcome. Pls subscribe for more MR2 Spyder content. Thx AJ

[@diehardcat]

@@RelentlessRacingAJ I did. Your direction very precise and complete, from how to pull a trim correctly down to the torque specs. It would save people from messing up their car. I like it.

[@boejoss]

Great video. My old car had the cables replaced twice with aftermarket and the handbrake is still poor. Going to buy some genuine Toyota cables but just trying to weigh up whether to tackle it myself this time. The lack of road grime/rust on USA vehicles versus UK, is noticeable

[@RelentlessRacingAJ]

Thx for watching and commenting. Pls subscribe. Most of my MRS’ are from California and California cars renown for not having rust. It definitely makes working on them much easier. Good luck w your parking brake cables and rust.

[@leejiaginn]

Subscribed...so details..like it.

[@ProfessorOzone]

Very well done. I love that constantly inform the viewer which direction you are looking. A lot of channels don't do that and it definitely can be confusing at times with a limited camera view. Thanks. I'll be doing this soon to clear the dreaded P0440 code.

[@RelentlessRacingAJ]

Thank you for the kind words. As you probably do, I take a lot of KZbin classes and it drives me nuts when I can't tell where they are filming or what they are filming. I'm trying to provide a better learning experience and it makes all the difference when ppl like urself comment. Thx again!!! Pls subscribe -AJ

[@antimattergarage8147]

@@RelentlessRacingAJ Actually I have a youtube channel as well "antimattergarage" and I do the same thing. In this case, I will probably just send people to your video. Seems to cover everything. Cheers.

[@RelentlessRacingAJ]

@@antimattergarage8147 I appreciate the kind words. Pls subscribe and check out my eStore www.shoprelentlessracing.com

[@ssc00p]

Excellent video, just what I was looking for since I am going to replace right side brake saddle too 😍 I guess it is impossible replace the parking brake cable without removing the gas tank completely eh... 🤔

[@RelentlessRacingAJ]

Thanks for the kind words. The vid serves as a good reference for others. It is possible to lower the gas tank and do everything, but if you have lowered the tank, that means you have done everything to drop the tank.

[@michaelochoa4533]

Why do you make it look so easy 😮 😅

[@RelentlessRacingAJ]

It's not difficult, but there are a few tasks. So, take your time, follow the procedure and all will be good. Good luck. Thanks for watching and commenting. Pls subscribe. Thx again, AJ

[@scotched9682]

I asked for this video and the man delivered! HERO!

[@RelentlessRacingAJ]

Welcome. Pls subscribe for more MRS content. I’m filming a new video rn!!!

[@scotched9682]

@@RelentlessRacingAJ I'm subbed. Are you a Spyderchat member?

[@RelentlessRacingAJ]

@@scotched9682 nice. Thank u. I’m really trying to grow my KZbin channel this year. I’m not a member of Spyder Chat. Just a member on FB group MR2 Spyder. I’m new to the platform... I’m a Honda guy. I mainly do time attack. I’m just a car enthusiast. I like anything that’s fast.

[@scotched9682]

@@RelentlessRacingAJ Ok, I'm going to post your tutorials where necessary. You're not the first to attempt these tutorials - but you're the only one that does it in such a clean methodical way. The fact that you put tools, part #'s, torque specs, and install order in one source makes it valuable.

[@RelentlessRacingAJ]

@@scotched9682 that is very kind of you. Pls encourage them to subscribe. Btw, I’m working on a new video discussing EVAP code P0440. Stay tuned 👊

[@brianpineda8688]

He makes it look so easy all of my connectors won’t come off

[@RelentlessRacingAJ]

Since I explained how all the connectors come off… now it’s on you to apply the Kung Fu grip to release them properly. Be patient and they will come off without breaking. Good luck and keep us posted

[@paulshibbs]

Fantastic video! The parking brake cables fail due to rust. Water settles in the area you mentioned. The spiral outer cable is untreated steel, it rusts and seizes the inner cable. Preventive maintenance is to slice through all the heavy rubber sleeves and coat the steel outer housing with corrosion preventive spray. Regularly.

[@RelentlessRacingAJ]

Thx for the kind words Paul. I’ve seen your preventative fix a few times. Great idea and method. Pls subscribe. Thx, AJ

[@andrewkendall1425]

Good video. Was surprised to see the Evap unit you have on the left side. I don't have any of that. Just the ECU.

[@RelentlessRacingAJ]

Appreciate u watching and commenting. Mine is all stock… so I suppose that’s how they came in the US. Pls subscribe for more automotive content. Thx again AJ

[@mavictime9433]

Wow. That was a lot of work.. can you do a video on clutch pedal adjustment. I have to floor mine to disengaged and haven't seen any available videos. Thanks.

[@RelentlessRacingAJ]

U have no idea how long it took to edit that video. In any case; thanks for the kind words. Pls subscribe to my channel. Stay tuned for more MRS content.

[@Mikeandlucy1]

Thanks for the video, My 2 needs the cable replacing and the garage have quoted me about £5/600 to do the job. I can see why now. A very informative video which has convinced me to pay the money and let them do it. Im sure when they get under mine, it will not be as clean as yours and Im just hoping bolts come free as easily as they do on yours's. I simply want to sell the car but without this work it is just a pile of scrap, so Hey Ho

[@RelentlessRacingAJ]

This job is not for all. I believe it is wise to understand the process and make an educated decision as to whom should do the job. Thx for watching and commenting. Pls subscribe. -AJ

[@Rakgnakgnak]

Hat off ! Is there any way to buy you a coffee (basically a tips) ? Great for the community. Cheers from France.

[@RelentlessRacingAJ]

Thank you for the kind words. No tip reqd... just subscribe and share w your friends. Also, don’t forget to check out Part 2. Part 2 discusses possible fixes for CEL P0440 while you have your gas tank out. Cheers from the US.

[@bryantwilson8705]

Awesome vid. Im doing the job now. You much have titanium fingers to get those plugs off the evap thingy

[@RelentlessRacingAJ]

Kung fu grip. Lmao. Thx for watching, commenting, and the follow. Stay tuned more MRS content coming soon

[@bryantwilson8705]

@@RelentlessRacingAJ anytime this vid was super informative. After spending 2hours fighting with pcv I got mine out. It'll be nice to have working parking brakes !

[@RelentlessRacingAJ]

@@bryantwilson8705 I kno the feeling 👊

[@andrewsparey697]

Superb video, thank you. Did I spot that the brake booster pipe has a straight piece of hose under the tank that can be replaced?

[@RelentlessRacingAJ]

Thx for the kind words. Pls subscribe to my channel. Hmmm... I’m not sure what u r asking about? what is the time stamp where it appears?

[@mavictime9433]

Subscribed..

[@RelentlessRacingAJ]

Thanks 👊

[@EEMV1988]

Great video!! I am in the middle of doing this right now. How do you like your lift ?

[@RelentlessRacingAJ]

Thx for the kind words. Pls subscribe bc I have a lot more content coming. I like the lift but wish it lifted just a lil more. It lifts the same height as jack stands. Rumor has it they are coming out w a new model which lifts higher

[@bhautobacs]

Thank you for the video.. do you think changing the cables will be enough to lock the rear wheels during autocross?

[@RelentlessRacingAJ]

Thank you for watching and commenting. Pls subscribe. Once you replace the parking brake cables, the parking brake will function as it did when they were new. Theoretically, the rear wheels will lock whenever you activate the parking brake

[@bhautobacs]

@@RelentlessRacingAJ thanx .. I really need them lock for Motorsports purposes.. will changing the cables will do this? Or should I go to hydraulic e brake setup?

[@RelentlessRacingAJ]

@@bhautobacsjust go hydraulic

[@randygossett52]

Hello sir nice video can you tell me if I can get to the check valve and pump seals to replace without removing tank?

[@RelentlessRacingAJ]

The pump seals you can. I don’t think it’s possible to get to the check valve. For the check valve, u can lower the tank and not completely remove it, but it will b very challenging. Thx for the kind words. Pls subscribe. Thx AJ

[@zzwk24]

I know this is an older video, but did you notice whether either of the parking brake cables were longer than the other? My driver's side parking brake cable barely reaches the caliper and the passenger side has a lot of slack. I didn't notice in this video any detail regarding lengths apart from each being marked "L" and "R". Thanks!

[@RelentlessRacingAJ]

Why not just compare the new cables w the old ones? If the lengths are correct, I’d assume you have the cables routed incorrectly. Good luck 🍀

[@tiny19892]

@28:00 mins , I think this scene was taken from lord of the rings !!!!!! lol

[@RelentlessRacingAJ]

Lmao. I got short legs. 😭

[@RelentlessRacingAJ]

Actually, it kinda looks like a workout infomercial

[@RelentlessRacingAJ]

Pls subscribe for more workout infomercials

[@randygossett52]

Also if it is possible to replace seals without tank removed do I need to remove seats and console to get to them thanx

[@RelentlessRacingAJ]

You can leave seats and console in when removing the tank. I found it easier and more comfortable though. -AJ

[@stevenword]

Great detail on this video! Do you have any tips for draining the fuel before removing the tank? I didn't have any success going through the filler neck, so I tried attaching some hose to the fuel line nipple coming out of the firewall (above the front motor mount). I then connected the other end of the hose to a 3rd party fuel pump and still am not getting much out. Any help would be greatly appreciated!

[@RelentlessRacingAJ]

No need to drain the tank... go to the gym. JK, actually, I'm not bc going to the gym is good for your health. My name is AJ and I approve this message.

[@RelentlessRacingAJ]

Sorry I couldn't help myself. Anyway, you can disconnect the fuel line at the fire wall. Once disconnected, add a hose and bucket to the fuel line, and activate the fuel pump manually. If you don't know how to do this, you can consult the electrical wiring diagram to see how it works. You will either need to give her a ground or +12V signal to turn on. It is most likely a +12V signal. Your other alternative is to put everything back together and drive her around to empty the fuel or go to the gym. Good luck. Pls subscribe. Thx, AJ

[@stevenword]

@@RelentlessRacingAJ That is good advice, but I still want to get the fuel out. It's been sitting in the car for 4+ years. I think I'll try pulling the fuel pump next.

[@RelentlessRacingAJ]

@@stevenword Sorry I couldn't help myself. Anyway, you can disconnect the fuel line at the fire wall. Once disconnected, add a hose and bucket to the fuel line, and activate the fuel pump manually. If you don't know how to do this, you can consult the electrical wiring diagram to see how it works. You will either need to give her a ground or +12V signal to turn on. It is most likely a +12V signal. Your other alternative is to put everything back together and drive her around to empty the fuel or go to the gym. Good luck. Pls subscribe. Thx, AJ

[@Clamp581]

How long did this take for you? I’m going to do my shift cable and the procedure is somewhat similar

[@RelentlessRacingAJ]

If I had to estimate how long it would take to drop the gas tank, I’d guess it would take 1 to 1.5 hours, especially already knowing the steps required bc u watched my video. Pls subscribe. Thx, AJ

[@dsx5036]

Hey sir, how do you "loosen the cables" so that the pawl makes contact with the caliper stop? My driver side looks fine, but the other one is not touching. Is the adjustment made at the lever side? The cable itself? Or on the caliper? I kinda see that you twist or push it but it's not very clear what you're doing. Thanks in advance

[@RelentlessRacingAJ]

@@dsx5036 gotta loosen the cable completely at the lever

[@marcusramirez2649]

I did this to mine last July, how is the under side of yours so clean?

[@RelentlessRacingAJ]

LOL. It's a California car. Pls subscribe... there's lots more content coming soon

[@shanerogers488]

But where did you buy the replacement emergency brake cable?

[@RelentlessRacingAJ]

Dealership

[@diehardcat]

Hi, I need to empty the gas tank and put in new gas to restart my car after about eight years sitting. I've tried to use a fluid pump form the gas filler door but failed. I saw in this video the gas tank has a rubber hose attached to it. I wonder if I can remove the hose from tank side to pump the gas out from there. Please help!

[@RelentlessRacingAJ]

You can access the top of the fuel tank behind the passenger seat or disconnect the fuel line and run the fuel pump

[@diehardcat]

If I choose to disconnect the fuel line and run the pump (because that sounds convenient enough), how do I feed power to it so it can run continuously and safely? I wonder if you can make a tutorial video on that topic?

[@RelentlessRacingAJ]

@@diehardcat I wish I had the time. It’s actually easier for you to remove the fuel pump and siphon the gas from the top of the gas tank. I showed the process in one of my vids. Good luck.

[@RelentlessRacingAJ]

@@diehardcat kzbin.info/www/bejne/haW2eoqndtR7fNU

[@diehardcat]

@@RelentlessRacingAJ That sounds simple. I think I'll do it that way.