Parking Brake Not Holding at All

Howdy everyone,
I have an 2002 4WD DC Tacoma. The parking brake is not holding/engaging at all. I have just tried adjusting it by tightening/loosening the parking brake adjustment nuts that are under the drivers side. That has made the lever come out to what seems to be a correct amount. But the parking brake still doesn't seem to engage at all.

I've read this may be caused by worn out rear brakes. How do I tell if the rear brakes need new shoes or drums? I couldn't find a decent source for how to adjust them if that may solve the issue. Is there anything else I should look at/try?

 

How does the rear feel when braking?

 

I guess it feels fine but I don't really know. I just got this truck so I'm not too sure how its supposed to feel.

 

make sure the levers are actually moving, you didn't state where you are but salt states can have corrosive effects on the bell cranks (moving arms) on the rear.

have someone inside the cab pull the handle and see if they move. if they do then either the adjuster needs moved (sprocket wheel inside, can access through hole in backing plate) or new shoes/drums

for reference, mine are 17+ years old, and still on original shoes, plus I park on hills all the time. I replaced my bell cranks 2-3 years ago due to them being seized

also the Tacoma's should be "self-adjusting" by using this method

https://www.yotatech.com/forums/f16/adjusting-rear-drum-brakes-easy-way-43741/

 

Jack up the rear of the truck Chock the front wheels

Out of gear Parking brake off spinning the wheel you should have a very slight drag one of those experience things.

if the parking brake is not working correct quite possible the rear brakes are out of adjustment

the bell cranks do seize if left unused for long periods of time

Since it is a new to you truck quite possible it is time for some rear brake attention

 

The bell cranks appear to be moving (appear because I was just setting the parking brake and then checking myself). I'm not sure if the amount they are moving makes a difference. I just tried the "self-adjusting" method for the brakes and it made no difference. I will try manually adjusting them tomorrow.

I assume these are still on the original shoes but couldn't say for sure. Truck has 155k on it. I'm not sure how long the shoes are supposed to last mileage wise

 

The brake material wear is all down to how the driver drives there is not set mileage .

Some can last that long some need changed well before .

 

Make sure its all connected. Gonna have to take off wheels and drums, to look at the shoes.

 

not knowing your mechanical ability/knowledge I am going to offer a few words of unsolicited advice. Before trying to remove the drums hit them with a hammer where the axle hub protrudes through, not on the axle but on the flat part of the drum to break it free. If it is loose, you are in a good position. If it is rusted on, well, keep working it with the hammer. Dont go overboard. There are 2 threaded holes in the drum where you can put an 8 X 1.25 bolt and "pull" the drum off. Dont expect to put an impact on these bolts as you can strip the threads. Some slight pressure and a whack with a hammer usually does the job.

 

You would be REALLY surprised how people drive...

 

Rear brakes are adjusted by parking brake use but the bell cranks must return to their stops to allow for self adjustment.

 

the trick to removing brake drums is to back the brake adjuster off .

I use a brake tool to turn the adjuster and a small flat screw driver to hold the lock free of the adjuster .

When installing new shoes I have the adjusters backed most of the way off that way it is much easier to get the return spring on.

install the drum adjust the shoes

 

An issue I have run into lately with my parking brake is that my axel seals were so bad that my drums and shoes were dripping with diff fluid. Lubricated brakes don't hold well.