How to Make Parking Brake Adjustments in a Toyota Tundra

Use a screwdriver to adjust your Toyota Tundra trucks parking brakes and save time and money. Avoid the mechanic and adjust the parking brakes at home. Tundra models that are 1999 year or older adjust underneath the truck with braking cables or by adjusting the star wheel adjuster. Models 2000 to 2006 require you to drive a bit with the parking brake on to set it properly.

Things You'll Need

  • Jack and jack stands
  • Screwdriver

Adjust the Parking Brake Cables on Models 1999 or Older

  • Jack up the rear side of your Toyota Tundra using your jack. Place a jack stand underneath each rear wheel to support the Tundra while you make the adjustment.

  • Locate the wire covered cables that come from each of the rear wheels. Follow along each cable until they meet together. Adjust the connector that holds the two cables, using your screwdriver. Remove the slack or loosen the cables.

  • Lower your Tundra with the jack and remove your jack stands from underneath.

Adjust the Star Wheel Adjuster on Models 1999 or Older

  • Raise your Toyota Tundra rear wheels using the jack and support each rear wheel with a jack stand.

  • Place your truck in park. Leave the parking brake off.

  • Get underneath the truck and locate the adjustment hole in the inside of the wheel well. Use your screwdriver to insert into the hole and turn the star wheel adjuster.

  • Turn the star wheel adjuster until you can feel tension in the wheel when it turns around.

  • Lower the Tundra and remove the jack stands.

Adjust the Parking Brake on Models 2000 to 2006

  • Raise your Toyota Tundra using the jack and support each rear wheel using your jack stands.

  • Get underneath the truck and locate the adjustment hole in the inside of the wheel well. Use your screwdriver to insert into the hole and turn the star wheel adjuster until you can no longer turn the wheel wells.

  • Turn the adjuster nut back eight notches. Lower your car with the jack and remove the jack stands.

  • Press in on the parking brake pedal with 33 ft-lb of torque or pressure. Drive your car at 31 mph for about a quarter of a mile.

  • Repeat Step 4 two or three times. Release your parking brake. Press in fully on the parking brake and your car should not move.