handbrake cable stretched?

I had a nightmare of a time with mine just after I bought it. Every now & then I could hear the odd clicking sound from the rear wheels, then one day when off-roading I thought I had picked up a rock somewhere as it was making a shocking noise as the wheels were going around. Then as quick as it started it stopped. Noticed I could drive off with the handbrake on and everynow & then the back (alloy) wheels would get very hot.

The mechanic pulled it all apart and found the retaining clips inside the hub that hold the handbrake pads in and fallen out on both sides. These clips were getting stuck between the pads and hub, hence the noises and heat build up, plus the pads were moving of their own free will and were worn out. NOT HAPPY.

It was good for a while, but in typical Toyota fashion (6 months later) the handbrake is next to useless again. At least it isn't making noises or getting hot any more.

Mark.

I reckon that most Toyota handbrakes are labelled "useless" because most service personnel have no idea how to adjust them.

Tone, theres no need to remove calipers. I adjust the thumbwheel through the hole in the rear disk as you did and 3-4 notches back from tight is the way to go. I've not had to adjust the cable, but have heard that they can stretch.

I guess you saw the LCOOL article.

Cheers
Phil

Yer, my handbrake stretched real bad after the first two kids. You should see the width of her now!! An adjustment of biblical proportions wouldn't make an iota of difference to her stopping power these days,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,

Bilbo - "The hobbit with a dent in his head!"