2007 - 2013 Toyota Tundra Parking Brake Adjustment 

As I've said before, there's a special place in heaven for those who take the time to help the rest of us DIYers out.

4 years later and this video is still helping people. Just got mine back from the shop with a failed attempt to adjust. Now I’ll be able to do it right myself. Thanks so much for this comprehensive video. Just the right amount of info for a non-mechanic! Plenty of stuff in here I wouldn’t have known about.

Just finished successfully adjusting the parking brake on my Tundra following the steps in this video. Many thanks!

Your video was exactly what I needed to see. Very thorough. Very detailed. Thanks for taking the time to share your knowledge!

Just finished changing out brake shoes and adjusted the parking brake the way you described. It went flawlessly! Thanks for posting the video. Your the man!

Just performed this on my 2014. Worked like a charm. Appreciate you taking the time to share with us.

Very glad you called it a parking brake and not an emergency brake. I tell my students that think of it this way "if you don't set your parking brake each time you park your vehicle, you may end up with an emergency". And it applied to any kind of vehicle: car, truck, forklift, ATV, etc. Wheel chocking and jack stands are another learned practice that must be done every time. Thanks!

- Thanks for posting the RIGHT WAY to adjust Tundra parking brakes. Excellent detailed description and camera viewing positions makes it easy to understand for many of those who want to attempt this DIY adjustment.

Great job!! One of the best videos I've seen. Great detail and very easy to follow. Thanks for taking the time to demo this.

Not only was this very helpful, I can’t say enough about the quality of this video. FANTASTIC JOB!!! Clean, Clear, and Concise with no extra fluff. Hit all of the important points. Great job and thank you!

Thank you for taking the time to show me how to accomplish this. God bless.

Thanks so much for the video. It was exactly what I was looking for. I am about to replace the rear pads and rotors and now I'll get the parking brake adjusted while I have it all apart. Awesome job on the video.

Thank you so much for an excellent video with lucid explanations! You've set a gold standard for car maintenance instructional videos, in my opinion. I will be able to tinker with my 2001 Sequoia's parking brakes with confidence.

Thanks for taking the time and best of all thoroughly explaining the solution to this problem. I bought my Tundra used and sure enough had this issue from day one. I did not notice this until parked on a slight hill. It could have rolled who knows where. Finally got around to fixing it. Works great now!

Thank you for this easy to follow instruction. I have owned my Tundra since 2007 and never felt that the parking brake worked well. I just completed the procedure and what a difference. I look forward to viewing your other videos.

Excellent Video! I know it takes quite a bit of effort to produce something like this, and showing every step along with the tips leaves nothing to chance. I look forward to more of your Mtce vids on the Tundra. Cheers and thank you!

Well done my friend. This is exactly the kind of video I was looking for. Precise, step by step, easy to follow & accurate to include all torque specs. Even the small tid bit about the little rubber dust boots. It's videos like yours that allow people like me to save thousands! You just saved me $140 Thank you friend!

Absolutely terrific video Sir. Well needed by Tundra owners.

Followed this video and did the adjustment on my 2010 Sequoia 5.7. Parking brake works so much better now, thanks for the awesome video!

Excellent video, did this repair while bleeding and working on brakes today, parking brake works like it never has since 2008. thanks man!!!

I can't thank you enough for posting this video! Thank you for helping me stay safe!

I've been dissatisfied with my parking brake since I purchased the truck back in 2012. Always seemed worthless and like you my driveway is at a steep incline. I'm changing out the rear pads today and stumbled across this great step by step video. Thank you for posting this!!

thank you, 6 years later and IT WORKED! more confident now. This will help trasmission so much.

Great instructional video. I just bought a 2007 Tundra and was wondering about this very issue. I'll be adjusting my parking brake very soon.

Thank you for this! Very helpful, detailed, and clear. Appreciate the help!

Excellent video, great step by step. Much thanks.

2009 Tundra Base Model. Followed your instructions the 't' and mine works great now! Thank You for all the time and effort you put into the vid! And double thanks for mentioning torque specs!

Followed your video and my parking brake now works!!!! To top it off my brakes no longer squeal. That’s a huge improvement on both!!! Thanks

Thanks for this video. I have been struggling with a non-working parking brake for what seems like forever. After I found your video and attempted to follow it, it became apparent that something else was wrong. Living in New England and having to deal with snow, sand and salt gives rise to lots of rust. The adjuster, under the driver's door, was so rusted that it hardly moved. I didn't even try to clean it up and make it work, I just got a new one (it was cheap, about $28). I also replaced the spring that connects it to the rear cables too. Now my parking brake is adjusted correctly and works like a dream! If anyone else has this problem, here are few notes and tips: The rear cables have little cylinders on the ends that fit into the adjuster. These will be corroded and stuck, I just used a screwdriver to bend the adjuster so I could get them out. The adjuster is held to the frame rail with 2 bolts that go through the frame rail into 2 nuts that are spot welded under the frame rail. I soaked them for a day with PB Blaster. They came out, but seemed very tight the whole way out. Once out, it looked like they red Loctite on the threads. So, some heat would have probably helped with that. I also used a tap and die set to clean up all the threads on the 2 bolts that attach it to the frame rail, plus the adjuster nut, the jam nut and the threads on the front cable that goes through the adjuster arm. Well worth the time to do that as it made re-installation so much easier. I believe all of these were M8. (can't recall if they are 1.0 or 1.25 pitch) For installation, clean up the rear cable ends well so they will slide back into the new adjuster. Attach the outside (closest to the door) cable first then attach the inner (closest to the center of the truck) second. Then put in the two bolts that hold it to the frame rail. Finally, adjust the cable as described in this video to give you that tiny gap at the top of brake shoes near the stop block. Oh, and once the new adjuster was in, I sprayed white lithium grease on all the articulation points and then sprayed everything with a coat of T9 anti corrosion protectant. I hope that helps keep the rust at bay. I will check it after each winter to re-lubricate.

What a great video! Thanks for your knowledge and time that you put into this.

My tundra failed state inspection on a faulty parking brake. Watched this great DIY on adjusting it. Followed step by step and it worked. Great video!!!

All I can say is wow, I consider myself pretty mechanically inclined when it comes to cars/trucks but I was doing this wrong for years. A big THANK YOU from this Tundra owner.

5* Rating. You solved my problem which originated in the Chilton Toyota Tundra 2007-12 Sequoia 2008-12 "68610" ->Brakes section->9-21 item->12 Parking brake - adjustment. It states "All parking brake systems are self adjusting; automatic adjusters compensate for brake shoe wear." When you explained there is no lever to adjust the star wheel and therefore is Not self-adjusting, I was liberated. You sir, are a Great Canadian.

The best video on this subject I've found. It's very clear, concise and great explanation each step of the way. Great job. And thank you. Have you done a video of replacing the brake shoes yet?

Just did the adjustment following these instructions and it went smoothly and was fully effective. My parking brake actually works now.

One of the best DIY vids I've watch in a while Thanks for sharing!!!!

i will email this vid to my mechanic for his continuing education points,,,

great video... i just failed inspection because of parking break and these a holes want $300 to fix... gonna do it for free myself :)

Thank you. Good, clear instruction that helped with my 2016 Highlander. If there is such a thing as an award for best DIY instruction, I would nominate this video.

This video helped me out too, I'm about to try and replace my rear break pads and rotors on my 2015 Tundra, no one really talks about adjusting the emergency break, very thorough video!

Excellent information. Thanks for sharing. I'm planning to do my daughter's tundra this week. I wondered, is there a reason that the caliper needs to be removed from the bracket? Could the assembly be removed as a whole?

man how i envy you guys that don't have to deal with snow and salt.

Thanks a bunch for the video. Just had to do a full four wheel brake job on our Tundra and used your parking brake adjustment instructions and the parking brake has never worked better!

Fantastic walk-through. I did this today on my 2008. Worked like a charm.

Warning if you try this. You have to leave the key in the ignition to keep the transmission in neutral so be sure to do this before you remove the break caliper. If you press the break ( to move the gear shifter) after removing the caliper the piston will move out of the caliper and you will have to rent a compression tool to get it back in place. Update I found out you can compress the caliper piston with a large C clamp if you have one and avoid the trip to the auto parts store.

Sorry if this is a dumb question, but why is the gap is necessary? Why not just adjust the star wheel on both sides?

You are an excellent "Teacher". I really appreciate your video skills and knowledge, I feel after watching your VID, I can accomplish this task on my Tundra. Keep up the great work, make more video's. Thanks

Explains how the drum brake works and therefore the fix makes sense. First video I've seen to do this so thank you very much.

I’ve had always had a problem with my e-brake and the repair shop said the same thing about the cable. Thank you so much for the detailed information. I’ll have mine fixed with when I put on my new rotors this week rotors.

Finally, a video to solve this problem I have always had with my 07 Tundra. First thing tomorrow onto the lift and under the truck. Thanks for a great video.

Couldn't have asked for a better instructional video you did an awesome job brother. Thank you

Just did my brakes today after watching your awesome video. The e-brake has never worked like this--even new! The dealer adjusted it under warranty, but with no success. Thanks!

This was an excellent video, i have delt with poor brake performance for 2 years. Even paid a shop to fix it, they didn’t.. thank you very much.

Hey Pierce! Awesome. Followed instructs all the way on my 2010 and wow wowzee... what a massive difference! They work great now! Thank you!

If there was a 6-star rating, this video is worth it. Perfectly explained, perfectly filmed, perfect in every respect. You, sir, will make a great teacher (if you are not one already).

I have a 2010 that has never had a parking brake. The adjustment at the dealer when I first purchased the truck and took it back for adjustment only caused the truck to drive with the brakes on all the time, they adjusted the cable only. I had to loosen the cable in order to drive. I just found your video and will finally adjust my brakes properly. Wish I would have found it so many years ago.

Thanks for taking the time to put this walkthrough together! I'm replacing my rear rotors and pads on my 07 Tundra dc and want to tackle the parking brake adjustment while I have it all apart. It has never been right (go figure) but I never use it here in Florida unless I'm at the ramp launching my boat. I think this procedure should work for my wife's FJ as well (4 wheel disc brakes). The parking brake was never right and now it won't set when you pull up on the brake lever beside the console. I gave up on the "stealership" working on our vehicles when they jacked up my alignment and destroyed my factory alloys with an impact gun. It was bad enough they didn't torque them to 97 ft-lbs. either. I had to get a 1/2" breaker bar to free up my lug nuts when I installed my new rims/tires. I guess the techs are under the gun to get every non-warranty job out as quickly as possible in order to make money.

Thank you! Video was very well done. My parking brake on my 2007 Tundra was siezed. The back parking brake cables had been replaced just before I bought the truck. So, I replaced the front cable, the cable pivot assembly located underneath the driver size door, and the parking brake pads, springs, and adjusters on both sides. Your video helped me replace the parts and then, most importantly, properly adjust the parking brake, which is not intuitive. Also, as I was watching you make the adjustment on the cable pivot assembly under the driver's door, I observed a blue spring in the background that my truck didn't have (it must've been removed when they replaced the back cables before I bought the truck.) I went out and bought the spring from Toyota, and the end result was a perfectly operating and perfectly adjusted parking brake assembly on a 13 year old truck, which is a great thing. Again, thank you for taking the time to make and post this video. I would not have done this job right without it and would've been missing a key spring.

by far the best and most thorough explanation out there. However the lack of response to my comment hurts.

Great video Piercedasian! Much thanks and excellent video! Keep them coming...you’re helping so many people save money by helping us do it ourselves!

Great video. You explained everything succinctly and clearly. When I changed the pads on the rear of my 2007 Tundra I only adjusted the parking brakes from the outside of the drum. I didn't take the rotor off to see inside and assumed it was self adjusting. No wonder my parking brake sucks. I now have another to do item on my list. At least now I can do it right. Thanks.

Thank you for video. Emergency brakes never worked on my truck since brand new. I do need my emergency brakes for launching my boat at the boat ramp. I tried adjusting cable as you mentioned and it only helped a little. I have even driven my truck by accident with emergency brakes engaged until truck starts vibrating on the road. I have not done your adjusting instructions yet but I know its going to work. Thank you again for your detailed video.

Thank you for an outstanding video. I've been taking parts off the back of my truck all afternoon to find the source of an intermittent rubbing noise. I'm pretty sure at this point at its the parking brake. It's obvious from looking at the mechanisms how the basics work, but I didn't know how to properly adjust it.You're video will allow me to do that (once it stops raining). I rely on RU-vid a lot to help me with my vehicles, and your video is among the best that I've seen. Your camera work is great - good angles, lighting, and steady shot. Likewise for the audio; clear and easy to understand. I appreciate your before-and-after demos and, of course, proper focus on safety. P.S. Thanks for mentioning the torque specs on the caliper mounting bolts. That information isn't always readily available online (or, god forbid, even lug nut torque in the owner's manual) and I like to snug them by the book.

I seem to have the exact same issue with my 2013 hilux. In sweden we dont have a yearly inspection on new cars until after three years. So it worked out well for toyoto who i payed for a three year guarantee and service deal with... Thank you for your video!

This is the best parking brake adjustment KT video I found on the youtube so far. Liked and Subscribed!

Excellent video. It clearly explains how parking brake works. Best DIY video I've ever seen. Very helpful. Thank you.

Thank you very much for making this video! Unfortunately, after following your procedure exactly as you suggested, I still have literally no parking brake functionality. I'm at a complete loss at this point. The first thing I noticed was that the entire adjuster arm mechanism under the driver's door was rusted tight. Nothing was pivoting like it should and I didn't want to do all the other work without fixing this problem first. So, I removed the rusty part and replaced it with a brand new one. I also cleaned up the cable adjusting rod threads and loosened both the stop nut and barrel nut so as to have no tension on the cables before I began the rest of the job. I decided as long as I was going to do this, I'd put in brand new shoes and pads right away. I bought Raybestos shoes and a Raybestos hardware kit. I completely cleaned everything, installed the new shoes and hardware and adjusted everything exactly as you detailed. I then finished the rear brake job and bolted my wheels back on. When I got into the vehicle and applied the parking brake, I was pretty excited, as that pedal felt more solid than it ever had before. Sadly, when I put the truck in drive, it rolled forward as though there was no parking brake engaged whatsoever. At this point, I don't know what my next step should be. I can't imagine that anything else could be rusted, as it appears the rest of the cabling system is enclosed inside of rubber or plastic hose (from the adjuster arm mechanism to the parking brake pedal up front and from the adjuster arm mechanism to each of the two rear wheels). Do you think I should start by adjusting the threaded rod on the adjuster mechanism to put more tension on the cables going to the rear wheels? Any suggestions you could provide would be greatly appreciated. This parking brake issue has been a thorn in my side since I bought the truck new in 2007. It never worked well from the start, but at least it held "somewhat" when it was new. Over the years, it held less and less...and it finally got to the point that it didn't hold at all. Believe it or not, I only have 38,000 miles on the truck! You read that correctly...as I have several motorcycles and another car that I drive regularly. One final bit of info....here is a link to the video I followed to install the new adjuster arm mechanism under the driver's side door: ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-pJ_Yxpr2Zps.html

Kip Black A very concise and accurate explanation of the proper "E" brake adjustment. Thanks for taking the time to do such a GREAT video as well.

Awesome video. I just purchased a used 2011 Tundra and the first thing I noticed was how weak the parking brake was. Will be using this procedure to get that "peace of mind" :)

Excellent tutorial video. Now I can adjust my Toyota Sequoia parking brake properly, Thank you!!

Excellent video with all the details needed for my diy 2021 Tundra parking break dilemma. Thanks for your help!

Just finished performing this on my 07 Tundra, night and day difference. The parking brake actually works now, and holds the vehicle in place when in Drive, Reverse, Neutral, Downhill, or Uphill. The only thing that threw me off was when i was under the truck and tightening the adjustment screw, it took quite a few turns to get the 1/32 spacing as suggested in the video. Once again, thank you for the detailed video, much appreciated!

I followed your instructions and enjoyed the results. It is time for me to do it again. I watched the video again and hope to have a good working parking brake again. - Thank you for the video, I managed to see how to comment on the video but know how to subscribe to your videos.

You know I hate using the word perfect, but you absolutely deserve it. Thank you for the detailed explanation.

I can't thank you enough. Thank you man. My Tundra failed inspection due to the emergency brake not holding. I took it to the dealer and their adjustment was as you said, not well done the car was the same. I will do my own this weekend. Thank you so much.

Wow what a great video, this exactly what I needed to use to finish my rear brake job. Thank you so much that you share your knowledge with use.

Thank you so much for this clear and concise video. Excellent quality, visuals, and explanations. A+++ video. I'm fixing my useless park brake tomorrow. Subscribed.. looks like a great channel!

This is a fantastic video, well articulated and extremely thorough. Thank you very much, it was extremely helpful.

Bought a 13 Rock Warrior a few days ago. Parking brake went to the floor and wouldn't hold the truck. Adjusted it today with your video. Better than new!! Thanks!!

Well…just did my 2010 Sequioa while changing brakes and this worked great! Slightly different layout but same steps..Thanks!

Thank you for a precise,concise, and articulate explanation/demonstration.

👍🤌🤌🤌🤌👍👍👍👍👍After watching your video 3 times, I decided to do the adjustment. Good God !! I feel Immortal. you have an amazing video on how to do this the right way. I bought the truck 2 years ago and didn't like the parking brake from that point on. only because i decided to replace the rotors and pads, i said lets see what we can do to fix this.12 videos and 2 days later, you turned me into a smartest DIYer ever. THANK YOU SO MUCH my man..👍👍👍👍👍👍👍

This is the video that is worth a darn!!!! Excellent explanation and step by step instruction. I feel much better going into this project!! Thanks

Excellent production and explanation. I’m going to tackle this on my 2010 tomorrow.

very informative video for us back yard mechanics, very detailed steps on explaining every thing, i rate this video 5 stars

Great video. Just the right amount of detail. You're an excellent communicator.

The best video. Thank you for taking your time to share this. I will be adjusting my Toyota Venza in the future.

This video is so so so good...thank you thank you thank you thank you for being so thorough in explaining how the whole system works!

Great video. It did help a lot. Before my parking break did not work at all. Now it works great. My only issue was the backing nut, it was stuck due to the salt and snow.

I was driving my 2012 Tundra today and the right rear wheal started smoking. New rotors and pads were put on just two months ago - i don't suspect those. I suspect that something happened to the ebreak. I feel that I can now take a look at it since it is Saturday night and I can work on it Sunday - no parts - just adjustments I hope. Watching your video let me know that these breaks are very similar to electric breaks on a horse trailer (as far as the construction goes). Excellent instructional video. If I could I would have given it two thumbs up.

This is an excellent video my guy! By far one of the best how to videos I've seen on the interwebs, I can really appreciate this. I have a 2016 is it generally the same concept? Ha! I just look at the discription and got my answer. Even the description is loaded with information, good on you man keep it up! Thanks alot!!

Thank you for the detailed explanation on how to properly adjust the parking brake on Toyota vehicles.

You are the best. Thanks for contributing your knowledge to people like us.

Excellent Video and instructions for us garage mechanics. Save me a trip to the dealer and a few bucks. Thanks much!

Great video. I can't believe on trucks this new they did not install a self adjuster for the parking brake. Will be doing this next weekend. Thanks.

My 2007 Mazda 3 sport has different e brake set-up, which is not a disc-drum combination. Nonetheless, you pointed out the importance of how to adjust the e brakes and I found your demonstration the most intensive than many videos that I have watched. And yes, you mentioned that there is problem with many technicians who don't do or don't know this procedure. I had one garage quote me $900 for replacing the cable. I was in doubt and declined the service. Then I started to research.

I just did this to my 2017 Tundra today thanks to your video. The e brake has always been lame. I know a lot of people never use it but with a trailer on hills and such I use it a ton.

Best helpful video I found in entire RU-vid search thank you.

Your video is very informative and thoroughly detailed … thank you so much for taking the time in making this video

Nicely explained. Similar to my 2010 4runner just the cable has to be done inside the truck, by the center console. Thanks for the video. It worked for my truck.