e-brake light, then squeaking

[riceball]

I have a 2000 Tacoma. 73k miles.

For a few weeks, the e-brake light was going on a long time. It'd clear up after a minute or so, and sometimes if I messed with the handle. The brake fluid level was at the full line.

Now the light doesn't really stay on, but, I'm getting this annoying squeaking coming from the brakes. I think it's from the rear brakes, but am not completely sure.

Just because I'd never done it before, I took apart one rear brake, and, the lining was hardly worn at all. It's roughly the same thickness as cheapo rebuilt shoes. Everything else looks okay too. So, no dice... but at least I learned how to take it apart. I'll inspect, clean, and lube the other side tomorrow.

According to the messages here, it might be the e-brake cable getting stuck. That seems to make sense. What lube would work to loosen the brake cable?

Would a tight cable cause the squeaking?

Could I be mistaking a front brake squeak with a rear brake squeak? Is it probably my front disc pads?

Are there other squeaks that increase with tire rotation increases?

I'm a real newcomer to all this, and have no significant repair experience. I'm gentle on the truck, and only haul gear, soil, and other crap in the bed. Usually under 200 pounds. I also brake pretty early, and gently.

[Brian R.]

http://www.automotiveforums.com/vbul...d.php?t=259225

Most of what I posted in this topic applies to you. Could be a binding cable. Remove the cable from the brake and see if it moves freely. If it does, it is internal to the brake as in the above post.

Considering you had the parking brake show a problem, it is most likely your rear brakes.

[riceball]

Thanks. That linked article was really informative.

It was the rear brakes; I got the ongoing squealing to stop, but it still squeals when stopping. I think it's because the pads are shiny and not grippy.

I'm still concerned about the parking brake.

The brake light issue was cleared up by adding a little brake fluid to the reservoir. This got me looking up articles on the web, and I am wondering if, maybe, it's the brake line. I didn't bleed it, but will do so in the next week or so.

[Brian R.]

Brake fluid level normally drops over time owing to disk brake pad wear. Keep the fluid level up.