Toyota Repair: Sequoia parking brake in disk rotor, brake, disc

Question
2002 Toyota Sequoia

I can't get the rotor off to inspect the parking brake which I believe is making some of the rattling noises that are coming from the rear. I've disconnected the cable under the car where it splits left and right but the rotor still seems to be hanging up on the shoes. I can pull it off about 1/4" is all. I see the little access hole in the rotor, but can't tell what it is for. No star wheel seems to come into view as I turn the rotor around.

Thanks for the help,
Mike

Answer
Mike,
You need to get a drum brake tool.  It is "L" shaped and has flat tips on both ends.  Take the tool and put it in the access hole and maneuver it around until you feel the star wheel. (The parking brake is self-adjusting and that is what is holding your disk on.)  Manipulate the tool in an up and down racheting movement until you feel the rotor come looser.  If the rotor feels like it is gettig tighter - then go down and up vice up and down.
btw, put that cable you disconnected back where you found it.  You will probably have to readjust the parking brake after you reattach that cable.

Hope this helps.

Vince