2001 Tacoma parking brake issue

[Shaun @ Tru6]

thought I'd ask here before joining a Tacoma forum.

01 Tacoma rear drum brakes. Shoes and drums are new. Every single part in the parking brake mechanism is new, mix of Toyota and quality aftermarket parts. Parking brake holds the truck very well. If parked, release the parking brake and drive away, it's just fine. In fact you can roll away if parked going down a hill.

The problem is reversing. I wouldn't call it binding exactly but if you release the parking brake and reverse, feels like the brake is still partially on. You can back up and then be on your way but it's stiff in reverse.

Any ideas?

[nota]

did you do the standard

brake three times HARD in reverse
to set the adjusters ?

[fastfredracing]

The parking brake levers that go through the backing place always, always, freeze and hang up . I see it on 90A% of the yota's that I inspect . Set, and release the brake, then go back and look and see on the back side of the backing plate, if the little levers are resting all the way back against the backing plates .
I think there may also be a relay lever mid truck, that I see sticking all the time . I can usually get them free, and the rear levers with some penentrant, and moving them back and forth a ton, then grease them really good .
Any chance of grease leaking onto the shoes ? Those are the first things I would be looking for .

[Shaun @ Tru6]

Thanks Fred. Yes, Toyota truck parking brakes are notorious for freezing up. That's why I replaced everything, absolutely everything doing a light "restoration" on my dentist's truck. Good call on the center lever, pulled it out, media blasted, painted and used a new spring from Toyota since the aftermarket one was a little weak.

I'll check for grease on the shoes this weekend.

Nota, I'm not familiar with that process. IIRC, it's set correctly when you can pulled the handle out for between 15 and 21 clicks, or something like that. I've got 18 clicks and it holds beautifully.