URGENT: Help Drum/Parking Brake problem

[clarenceie]

Hey guys, I recently bought a used 2007 Yaris Sedan

I noticed that the rear brake squeal after I used the brake a lot and a minor squeak when i sit in the car. I confirmed that the rear drums were completely locked even though the hand brake was down.

I tried to adjust it, but it just becomes locked again. I noticed that the parking lever in the brake assembly is very sticky, as in it won't retract properly.

I'm a total noob at drum brakes. Can you guys share how to fix this?

Thank you!

[clarenceie]

Also pix of a correct drum brake of a Yaris would be great. The service manual doesn't depict it well. Specifically, I need a view of the parking lever untensioned.

[CTScott]

Here are pics of the top and bottom with as much visible as possible around the hub:

drum1.jpg

drum2.jpg

[suckerface]

< threadjack >

Scott, do you just have pics like this laying around, or do you take them on demand when things like this pop up? ;0)

< /threadjack >

[CTScott]

Originally Posted by suckerface

< threadjack >

Scott, do you just have pics like this laying around, or do you take them on demand when things like this pop up? ;0)

< /threadjack >

I took them when I had the drums off for painting. I figured that eventually either myself or someone else would need them for reference.

[swidd]

I hereby add a reminder to my phone: "Nobel Candidate that man".

[clarenceie]

Hey CTScott, thank you very much!

I checked over, and everything looks like in the same place.

I've seen other toyotas and other cars really with a parking brake return spring. It seems that the Yaris doesn't have one...

Is this a common problem in the Yaris? I live in SoCal. No rust on the car.

[CoryM]

Originally Posted by clarenceie

I noticed that the parking lever in the brake assembly is very sticky, as in it won't retract properly.

I assume by parking lever you mean #1 in the picture? Typically you will see two problems. Most common is a stiff or seized cable, and less common is a stiff or seized pivot on #1.

With the drum off, pull the parking brake handle enough to move the lever (#1). Then release the parking brake handle (lower it) and inspect the cable (#2). If the cable is straight and taut, the cable is the problem (does not extend). If the cable is curved and slack, the lever is stuck.

If a cable you generally just replace them. They can be lubed, but usually with limited success. If the lever is stiff you will have to take the brakes apart and clean/lube.

Hope this helps.

[clarenceie]

You're awesome Cory! Yes, I did notice that when I was operating the brake. I noticed that the cable was bent a little when hand brake was released. I sprayed some cleaning brake clean onto the whole assembly and that seems to take care of it, for now at least...

I noticed that on this drum assembly, it doesn't have a dedicated lever return spring as with other cars.

Again, definitely appreciate it Cory.

[Lafiro]

This is awesome because mine do not adjust much, at least one side anyway, causing the car to not stop correctly after about a month or two.

What should I use to clean everything next time I take them apart?