How to Make Parking Brake Adjustments in a Toyota Tacoma

Adjust your Toyota Tacoma parking brake when it no longer holds your truck in park. On older trucks, models 1999 or older, this adjustment is simple and you should perform it periodically to ensure the parking brake holds. This simple adjustment saves you time and money you would spend taking your truck to the mechanic, and it gives you a sense of accomplishment when fixing your truck. You'll use another technique for years 2000 to 2006.

Instructions

Adjust From Inside on Models 1999 or Older

1

Remove the console cover that holds the parking brake lever on the inside of the truck. Locate this console between the driver's seat and the front passenger seat.

2

Adjust the nuts that hold two wire rods sticking out of the back of the metal plate. Move the nuts slightly with a wrench or pliers and then test your trucks brake. Keep adjusting until the parking brake holds the truck in park.

3

Replace the parking brake console cover.

Adjust Underneath the Truck on Models 1999 or Older

4

Raise the rear end of the Tacoma. Jack up the truck and place jack stands underneath it for support.

5

Locate the wire cables running from each of the rear wheels to the center of the truck. Adjust the nut that holds where these two cables come together. Use your screwdriver to adjust the nut.

6

Lower your Tacoma using the jack and removing the jack stand. Test your adjustment by pulling upon the hand brake lever and noticing the car sticking in park.

Adjustment for Years 2000 to 2006

7

Raise the rear end of the Tacoma. Jack up the truck and place jack stands underneath it for support.

8

Remove the rear wheels using your tire iron and locate the hole where the star adjuster nut is held. Place your screwdriver in the hole and adjust the nut until the discs do not turn anymore.

9

Move the adjuster nut back eight notches. Put the tires back on and lower your vehicle.

10

Press in on the parking brake with 33 ft-lb of torque or pressure. Drive your vehicle at 31 mph for a quarter of a mile.

11

Repeat Step 4 two to three times to set the parking brake. Release the parking brake fully and then set the parking brake to the tightest position. Your vehicles parking brake should hold while your vehicle is parked on a slope.