Does a 4runner have a Parking Brake fail-safe? +story of why I'm asking

[MuskieJunkie]

Does a 2006 Toyota 4runner have some kind of clutch or release for the parking brake if it’s accidentally left on while driving? My second question is would driving with it on for about 20 miles do any damage?

At 30 mph I slowly set the brake, it came on then started making a clicking noise which I’m assuming is a clutch meant for just this case?? Also I inspected the rear rotors and they don’t look blued or damaged in anyway.

Here’s the long (and entertaining) story on how I found myself with this problem.

Our nanny took our kids to the zoo yesterday and drove my truck while I went to work in order to earn money to pay for said kids, truck, nanny, and zoo membership.

9am text from nanny

“you’re truck is making a funny noise”

Me texting back “how loud of a noise, if it’s making a weird noise you should not be driving it”

“not real loud”

1pm phone call from nanny (now on their way back from zoo)

Her “now the noise is getting louder”

Me “What kind of noise?”

Her “it’s from the back and sounds like a harley I don’t think it’s a flat tire because I checked the tires”

Me “if it was a low tire there would be an orange light on the dash”

Her “there’s a red light that says brake”

“YOU HAVE THE PARKING BRAKE ON!!!”

So she drove to and back from the zoo with this clicking noise, which is pretty loud, buzzing away like a Harley Davidson. To her credit she offered to pay for the damage (which I wouldn't make her do), even saying “you can just not pay me for a couple of weeks” – a lot of money for someone on her budget. I probably don’t need to set the parking brake when it’s in my driveway so maybe it shouldn't have been on in the first place. She’s really good with the kids and has great intentions but come on, it’s someone else’s vehicle and there’s a red light on the dash and it’s making a weird noise. Thought you guys might like the story.

[Jeremy airjer W]

No fail safe clutch.

Your fine.

The parking brake uses the inside of the rotor "hat" as it's braking surface. I would at least pull the rotors to make sure the brake shoes are in good condition. Other wise it is a completely independent and mechanical system that really does effect the hydraulic braking system. If the rotor gat hot enough I suppose it could eventually overheat the caliper and potentially boil the brake fluid. You would have felt a difference in the pedal if that where the case.

[1968]

Man- How long has that light been on or that noise going on?

Woman- What light/noise?

Very typical

[MuskieJunkie]

Thanks for the info.

"women, can't live with 'em....pass the beer nuts"

- Norm