Outer Limits 4x4 Board

my parkbrake light in the hilux is stuck constantly on no matter how far i push or play with the hand brake.

it is only on the tiniest bit but whenever i stop after a bit of a drive the smell that im getting to me seems like something is going on there.

any suggestions?


cheers

Are the drums getting overly hot? Is the cable jamming in the sheath? You can push the arms back on the drum to back the handbrake off to check if its engaged.

Check your brake fluid level. Some Toyota's use that as a low level warning

Emo wrote:Check your brake fluid level. Some Toyota's use that as a low level warning

x2

how do i check the brake fluid levels?

The fluid holders on the brake booster. It's under the bonnent, in front of the driver, you may have two if you have a manual as the clutch has one as well.
Just take the top off after cleaning it and see what the level is, fill it up with the recommended fluid to the line on the case. Same for the Clutch.

A good investment for you would be a workshop manual, this will tell you where everything is and how to fix things and what tools are needed. Best 30 - 50 bucks you'll ever spend on your 4by.

if you have a hilux with the push pull style handbrake beside the steering wheel, then the other thing you can check is that the brake light switch at its base near the fire wall is functioning. also try pulling your handbrake out about 10mm turning it clockwise a few degrees then pushing it back in, on mine it misses the switch somtimes which causes the light to stay on.

this however does not explain the hot smell - but that is also not necissarily connected to your handbrake light.

is your rear wheel hub very hot after you drive for a while? if its hot enough to smell your hub would feel hot to touch.

i hvnt rally had a chance to work on the truck for a while or even to check it out cus ive been flat out at work ill give it a good drive tomorrow and check some stuff out.

the handbrake is a pull push style and we i push it in it feels funny not like before ive tried everything and it just stays on.


i also have leaks coming from the gear box, and also the big "ball joint" that connects my wheels.

starting to wonder whether i shuld build this truck up or sell it and buy a new one with less mechanical troubles

ive put a tranny hand brake on and still have to push my handbrake in then turn it and slam it in and out to get that light to go off its a pr*ck of a thing damn hilux hand brakes anyone i know with a lux have the same thing i think its a factory f*ckup

i get my left fott turn it and kick the fuck out of it after 2 hrs of trying to fix it to no privail and that even does nothing.

im thinking of selling this beast and buying a new one with less ailments

Every used car will have problems of its own. If the problems on your car are mostly small ones just get in and fix them. At least you know whats wrong with it.

To reiterate what others have said, if the light on the dash for the handbrake is on it doesnt actually mean the brake is engaged, it just goes off a switch on the handbrake stalk in the cab. I'd be checking that first up. And yes if the car has a brake fluid level light on the dash it could be that but if it actually is labelled "park brake" or something to that effect then it will be the switch on the stalk.

only problem is some of these problems that are starting to arise seem to be getting bigger and alot more expensive.

i dnt have the most mechanical knowhow as im a chippy not a mechanic.

Well yeah if the problems are more than just small things like the handbrake light it might be time to upgrade, but if you get another used truck just don't expect it to be without faults. Take your time and find something decent!

big_fyt wrote:only problem is some of these problems that are starting to arise seem to be getting bigger and alot more expensive.

i dnt have the most mechanical knowhow as im a chippy not a mechanic.

all hiluxs will leak at your big ball jointy bit its your inner axel seal. grab a few beers and work shop manual and a $100 kit (which will do both sides) and a hubnut socket $25 on ebay with free postage) and leave yourself a day and then you know its done. both hiluxs ive ownded have leaked there at some stage. so if you do it then at least you know its done.

im no expert either but i have learnt along the way.

when you say it feels funny when you release the handbrake, try checking under the car and find the handbrake cable. is there still tension on this when its released? also are the two levers which come out of the back of your rear drum brakes (near the leaf pack they will have the cable attached to them). are they moving in and out when its pulled on and let off?

I have also seen the little pin which pushes on the brake light switch on the stalk near the firewall fall out which makes it think its always turned on as well.