How To: Replace Parking Brake Hardware in a 4Runner, 5th Generation.

If you've done a brake job on a Toyota 4Runner, you know the parking brakes can be a challenge. In the case of this 4Runner, two of the pins were bent and stretched. Follow along so you don't have to fumble through this job for an unnecessary number of hours.

[@dannymedrano-lopez1417]

Yoyr video was so informative with every step, every part, and every detail on ow to remove each part! This was a PITA to do after i broke some of the hardware when the rotor got stuck…. $20 later and im back on the road! Thanks so much for the video!!!

[@NiceGuysGASS]

Thank you for all the kind words! We’re glad we could help you save some money by doing it yourself.

[@TheRayDog]

This is one of the hardest jobs I've ever tackled on a vehicle. The axle flange blocking the work space makes this very tough.

[@NiceGuysGASS]

It was not fun at all. We spent hours working on a “relatively easy” method for getting it done. Just know, you didn’t suffer alone!

[@rustygriswold182]

Just did this job on my wifes 4runner and had excellent luck with a body panel trim removal tool. The kind that are like a screwdriver with the end flattened to a fork. Like for removing plastic darts in inner fenders and other plastic to plastic panels. Cheers.

[@TheRayDog]

@@rustygriswold182 Great idea!

[@rustygriswold182]

@@TheRayDog just remove the top spring and swing the shoe outward. Load in the pin and all the bits then preload against the shoe the slide it into place. The tough part was keeping the upper spreader lined up. I worked from rear to front for what its worth. Hope it helps someone. For anyon looking its a design like snapon part# ASDD103

[@Jbart1989]

Thank you for your video. I'll admit I tried to tie those springs with wire but maybe I'm just not as good with the wire method. Was able to just use some needle nose pliers through the access hole and with a ton of luck pressed and twisted the cap on with pliers, 3 flat head screw drivers, 12 fingers, and some scrap metal lol. Worked like a charm

[@gbatarse6767]

Wow you a life saver!!! We were putting that adjuster backward and you helped with the springs too. Thank you. ❤best video out there!!! Subscribed!!! Keep making these videos.

[@NiceGuysGASS]

You keep watching, we’ll keep making!

[@AhmedMohammed-gl1yq]

Couple years later, still saving my bum 😂. Thanks brother

[@NiceGuysGASS]

Thanks! It’s what we’re here for.

[@timsherwood6371]

So i wish i looked you up before a brake job turned into a wtf job lol thank you for this video it is great and love the step by step it truly helps on a job like this

[@NiceGuysGASS]

That’s what we’re here for!!!! Glad you liked it!

[@uberhack7]

Thanks for the baling wire hack. Ended up using some fishing string instead, all I had. Easy to release. Just run the bbq lighter and it pops into place. Saved my biscuits brother.

[@NiceGuysGASS]

Whatever we can do to help!

[@889976889]

What made you replace the parking brake shoes? Was it making a squeaking noise? I just did brakes on my 4Runner and calipers cause I heard a squeaking noise I’m still hearing it. Curious if it might be the Parking brake shoes

[@NiceGuysGASS]

The rear brakes completely exploded. The shoes didn’t get replaced, just the hardware. You should never need to replace shoes only used as a parking brake.

[@889976889]

I had to replace one on a Chevy Silverado because it imploded. Maybe I’ll try replacing the hardware see if that fixes my issue

[@maxenielsen]

Possibly, the green spring and the black spring are mixed up. The original spring on the front shoe had 15 turns of heavy wire, while the original spring on the back shoe has 17 turns of comparatively lighter wire. The color coding on the springs of the aftermarket hardware kit is misleading. I used a hardware kit with the identical color coding, and made the same mix-up. It may have been the reason I had trouble, which I have now fixed. Toyota indicates on their exploded view that the horseshoe clamp on the actuator lever is non- reusable. Everything else, I believe according to Toyota, is reusable. I simply went, the second time around, only the non-reusable parts, and the shoe retainer springs. These parts of the aftermarket kit didn’t seem as well built. Thanks! Great video.

[@NiceGuysGASS]

Glad we could help! Many companies indicate parts as “non reusable” to sell more parts. But that’s probably just an opinion.

[@mooch91]

Thanks for the help with this vid. This was a miserable job. There was no way I could pre-assemble the spring retainers and then slide the shoes in to place. Had to assemble the spring retainers once the shoes were installed.

[@NiceGuysGASS]

Yeah, this job was a beast. Hopefully it went better for you than it did for us. We had the benefit of video, but it really took hours to figure out the best way to get things installed. Toyota did not do us any favors with any part of the brake job on these things.

[@jamesbeauchamp1800]

Hello. When you tighten the bailing wire around the springs… I found an easier way. Assemble the springs with the hardware, then double loop the wire around the backside of the retaining clip on the pin, then pull and it will slide the assembly compressing the spring while you insert the brake shoe. Then once assembled, you simply can pull the wire right out without snipping anything.

[@NiceGuysGASS]

Awesome!

[@static_Tricolor_camry]

This is the same process on the Camrys, I need to keep watching these videos until I memorize the springs, pins and hardware how they go back in. Taking it apart is the easiest part, putting everything back together is the part you have to know.

[@NiceGuysGASS]

So true. The good news is once you have it down, it’s easy. After filming, we were able to do the opposite side in 28 minutes.

[@mrgungho]

Thanks for the detailed video! I was wondering if your rear tires were making a "grinding" sound in addition to the clicking you showed. Mine isn't clicking but I put the rear end up in the air and put it in drive and there is a steady/constant mild grinding sound like the pads are constantly in contact with the drum or something. Praying it's not rear bearings. I drove it for a few miles and then shot the temps of the area of the bearings from behind the wheel and they were less than 100 degrees. From the front side I shot the drum section of the rotor and it was like 190 so that's my diagnosis so far

[@NiceGuysGASS]

No, in this case, the inside pad ejected from the caliper and the brakes went out without any warning (thanks Toyota!). The damage to the parking brake likely happened when it had to be used to stop. You can adjust the shoes all the way out to see if the grinding continues. With drum brakes, it’s not uncommon for the shoes to have some contact with the drum, but it probably isn’t necessary in a parking brake only application.

[@xen3433]

finally found the right video let me lock in

[@NiceGuysGASS]

Subscribe…….

[@2-old-Forthischet]

I think some newer cars have electric parking brakes. I just bought a 2003 4Runner last year. I'm dreading this repair already.

[@NiceGuysGASS]

Don't think about it and run what it has for as long as you can. These are good rigs, every vehicle has it's headaches!

[@ian0841]

I have run into the same problem. The curved pin that holds the tension spring to hold back the brake shoe is too long on both sides. That is allowing the spring and cap to hit the hub/wheel bearing. I just ordered new pins so I hope they are shorter. Not sure how the metal pins would get stretched but it was the same problem on both sides. Lexus ES 330.

[@NiceGuysGASS]

Well, good luck in your repair!

[@PedroHenrique-bu4wk]

Obrigado sou do , brazil e não tinha encontrado nenhuma informação de como montar esses freios .

[@NiceGuysGASS]

Not a clue what you’re saying, but thanks for watching!

[@PedroHenrique-bu4wk]

@@NiceGuysGASS I didn't find anything related, the assembly of this system on Brazilian KZbin, thank you, it helped me to assemble the brakes here!

[@quixoticPrancer]

I get a creaking noise coming from the rear wheel every time I set and unset my 4runner's ebrake (it seems functionally fine, it just makes this noise when setting/unsetting). Do you think there's a place I could spray some WD-40 that's likely to fix that, without a complete disassembly based on your experience? Thanks!

[@NiceGuysGASS]

Probably not, and WD40 probably shouldn’t be used around brakes. It sounds more like an annoyance than an issue though.

[@quixoticPrancer]

@@NiceGuysGASS lithium grease spray then. Yes just an annoyance but I didn't want to cause premature failure of something there that seems to need grease.

[@NiceGuysGASS]

No access points come to mind.

[@stevanrose7439]

Basically if you don’t know what you are doing don’t do it. Brakes aren’t anything to mess with if you aren’t sure of what you are doing. There is places to apply some brake grease but it’s not on the shoes and this is done during assembly.

[@JesseGunzo]

Awsome video. Thanks!

[@NiceGuysGASS]

Absolutely!

[@TimmyTonTon]

having a tough time getting the rotor back on given everything is installed. Do you have any tips on that?

[@NiceGuysGASS]

Make sure everything is adjusted all the way down. There are two adjustments, one for the cable and one for the shoes.

[@TimmyTonTon]

@@NiceGuysGASS shoes as in the star pin that has the threaded and non-threaded end is the shoe adustment. the cable adjustment is the one inside the car under the shifter?

[@NiceGuysGASS]

Correct.

[@bulletz18ify]

The dealership stated I needed this done as every time I switched gears there was a screeching noise after I replaced the pads and rotors. What noises were you experiencing? I thought mine was because I didn’t grease the shims properly

[@NiceGuysGASS]

There were no indications that the parking brake needed service at all. No noises, no sensations, nothing. This job came about after the caliper failed and the entire brake system needed an overhaul. We noticed one of the pins from the old hardware kit was elongated, about 1-2mm longer than new, so we went ahead and completed the job. Based on the number of views, it’s seems like it might be a common problem in this model.

[@viprz5444]

I had the same happen and what it looked to be was one of the locking pins rode off and the top spring was rubbing against the hub assembly creating that rotational screeching you were hearing

[@autonomousdefense]

very helpful

[@NiceGuysGASS]

Glad we could help!

[@chachi5975]

Do you have a part number for the kit that comes with some of the additional hardware, not just the shoes? TIA

[@NiceGuysGASS]

No, and we’re not sure which kit you are referencing. We like to use Napa, O’Reilly and Rock Auto for parts. One of them will probably be able to help you.

[@chachi5975]

​@@NiceGuysGASS0:32 brake hardware kit. I've looked on a lot of Toyota suppliers and everything is listed individually, looks like you found an all in one kit. I'll see if one of those you mentioned can help. Thanks for your response.

[@NiceGuysGASS]

www.autozone.com/brakes-and-traction-control/parking-brake-hardware-kit/p/duralast-parking-brake-hardware-kit-17395/87304_0_0

[@NiceGuysGASS]

Maybe this is what you mean?

[@chachi5975]

@@NiceGuysGASS exactly! Thanks so much 👍

[@michaelzimmer4850]

What an absolute pain in the balls... Fiddly BS!! Thanks for the video!!

[@NiceGuysGASS]

Toyota should really consider making their slogan, “you won’t have to fix it often, but when you do, it will be fiddly!”

[@vor9822]

How different is the assembly compared to a 4th gen?

[@NiceGuysGASS]

Probably not too much. You should just give it a shot and then let us know!!!

[@johnlockett9957]

Hey, I have to tackle mine. How long did it take you?

[@NiceGuysGASS]

To figure out the process? A while. I think the second one took less than 30 minutes.

[@elmerwotzbelylopezcastillo1040]

Yo tengo un problemaa . Con esas balatas pero de un lado A la hora de accionar el pedal de freno de cable una balata se me desajustaa y avienta el resorte con su pasador y me empieza a rechinar haciendo ruido

[@NiceGuysGASS]

Gonna need a bit more information

[@MrSilvernblackblood]

i just tried doing this, and i couldn't get the rotor to slide back on despite the adjuster bolt closed to the smallest. Is it possible the parking brake shoes are defective? they are bosch brand.

[@NiceGuysGASS]

It is possible, but not likely. There should be another adjuster, should be under the steering column. The shoes might also just not be set all the way in.

[@MrSilvernblackblood]

@@NiceGuysGASS I am certain the shoes properly set all the way in, what's the other adjuster do? , I never heard of it. The vehicle I'm working on is a 2007 4runner. This adjuster under the steering column,. Where exactly is it and will allow the shoes to compress further so I can get the rotor on? I was leaning towards the shoes being the problem because I read that some shoes are too big despite manufacturer specs saying they fit.

[@NiceGuysGASS]

You’ll have to follow the cable from either the parking brake pedal or from the brake drum to find the adjustment nut. It may not provide you any additional room for the shoes, it’s hard to give an exact answer in this format. There are a number of possible causes: star adjuster too long, springs worn or too light, the shoes could have too much material, the drums could have too small a diameter, etc. Manufacturer error is possible, but all other potential issues should be ruled out as well. Did you replace the hardware in addition to the shoes? Can the shoes be compressed at all when you squeeze them?

[@NiceGuysGASS]

Specifically, the second adjuster changes the pedal tension and travel.

[@MrSilvernblackblood]

@@NiceGuysGASS thanks for helping me, it's new hardware and new rotors. I think it's the shoes, I ordered a different brand will get them next week. One thing that did happen before I had replaced the rotors before this, I made the mistake of not releasing the e-brake when trying to remove the old rotors and then drove several feet down my driveway after realizing they had become dislodged against the rotor drum. I was able to remove them however by loosening the star adjuster. But I don't think that would be the reason now of why I can't get the rotor to fit right?

[@Vivianauxito]

Good job. Are you open to doing any product review that related to Auto led lighting? We emailed you for inquiring an opportunity to get our product showcased. Hopefully hear from you soon.

[@NiceGuysGASS]

We only do honest reviews, sometimes they are positive.. sometimes they are not! We believe in unbiased information for our viewers - proceed at your own risk!!

[@Vivianauxito]

@@NiceGuysGASS That's great to hear that you prioritize honesty and unbiased information in your reviews. I appreciate your commitment to providing accurate and trustworthy information to your viewers. I am confident in the quality and performance of the AUXITO lights, and I believe that they would be a valuable addition to any vehicle. However, I understand that ultimately the decision to purchase any product is up to the individual consumer, and I respect your viewers' right to make their own informed choices.

[@mhow4624]

The issue with this video is he does not show putting on the rear shoe and spring under the shoe hardware which is NOT easy as stated.He shows using bailing wire which worked on the front shoe but NOT on the rear shoe. There is a special Toyota tool for the spring under the shoes which makes this less difficult to accomplish.

[@NiceGuysGASS]

Interesting. The bailing wire was successful for us, but the special tool would definitely make life easier. If you end up using that technique please film it and share!

[@sunnydlight2375]

This is hands down one of the worst Toyota problems that no one talks about. It's super common as most dont know you have to adjust the gear wheel to compress the parking brake before the rotor comes off. Any forcing off of the rotor will result in a popped spring or mess with this super super old, cheap drum technology.

[@NiceGuysGASS]

Preach! It really is a pain in the butt, though... might buy a Jeep next time?

[@lodollar23]

Good grief.... What's with the engineers these days?

[@NiceGuysGASS]

Problem is, they don't care about the repair.. they're not the mechanic!

[@brentsanada6589]

These days? This is 1950s brake tech Toyota a-holes are torturing us with

[@ruelbautista9966]

Can I use zip ties

[@NiceGuysGASS]

For which part?

[@ruelbautista9966]

@NiceGuysGASS to hold the spring I been working on my camry 08 for 2days now this springs is crazy

[@NiceGuysGASS]

We used bailing wire, but a zip tie will probably work too

[@ruelbautista9966]

@NiceGuysGASS thanx bro u have me hope I can do it lol this is the worst

[@j0shll0yd]

Thank you. What an awful nightmare design.

[@NiceGuysGASS]

Awful nightmare is redundant, but in this case, it's appropriate. Toyota really screwed the mechanics on this one!

[@j0shll0yd]

@@NiceGuysGASS 😂😂 touché!!

[@theresonly2genders2023]

Wasnt that bad for the pin yet you skipped that part on the video.

[@NiceGuysGASS]

Glad you were able to sort through it! We'll keep your comment in mind for future videos - we strive to be entertaining and maybe even helpful, but we never claim to be a professional production!

[@theresonly2genders2023]

@NiceGuysGASS i was doing both rear axle bearing assemblies and the hardest part was those damn parking brake pin and springs lol