[pghfj40]

Ok, in yet another display of sheer brilliance, I've driven through my Ebrake and sheared the 4 backing-plate-to-xfer mounting bolts ... for the 2nd time.

As this is expensive (also pops the $80 brake cable) and time-consuming (not to mention frustrating & embarassing)... and knowing that I'm unlikely to get any smarter... I'd like to dummy-proof it to prevent future re-occurrence.

I would think the design should allow the ebrake to slip first (I'm glad it holds the vehicle, but geeez!). I'm surprised Toyota chose just four little 8mm bolts at such a high stress point.

Is there a stronger bolt/stud out there? Or has anyone drilled & tapped the speedo housing for the next larger size bolt?

Will this just move the point of failure to the xfer case or speedo housing?

Other thoughts? Experience?

[Poser]

Originally Posted by pghfj40

Other thoughts?

I have seen 12.9 hardness 8mm bolts shear off in that same application. There is not significant meat around the bolt holes to take them to 10mm.




Train yourself to release the parking brake every time; it is by far the easiest solution to this issue.

[Coolerman]

Does your E-Brake on light not function? You could wire a buzzer in it's place...

[3_puppies]

Originally Posted by Coolerman

Does your E-Brake on light not function? You could wire a buzzer in it's place...

I was thinking the same thing about the light, or install another light in a very obvious place.

[pghfj40]

The buzzer's a good idea, except if I installed one, the first thing I'd likely do is disconnect it!

The brake warning light works... I've never *driven* it with the ebrake on, that's not the prob...

I got distracted while parking on a hill: ebrake on and in first gear (as backup to the ebrake--tho clearly that was unnecessary)... Normally one would shut the engine down first then let the clutch out, but this time I flubbed it and let the clutch out quickly with the engine still on and BANG!

BTW--it's got an SM420: so 2x the stock torque there. Still I'm surprised it could sheer them at idle. I wonder if a couple of the bolts hadn't already failed.

[Poser]

Originally Posted by pghfj40

I got distracted while parking on a hill.

Would appear that you understand why it occurred.

Originally Posted by pghfj40

BTW--it's got an SM420: so 2x the stock torque there. Still I'm surprised it could sheer them at idle. I wonder if a couple of the bolts hadn't already failed.

Not likely. This has been accomplished with a stock three-speed transmission.

[Lil'John]

I upgraded mine to 8mm studs. No idea if this helps or not but from my nuts/bolts experience, studs are usually rated higher unless you are going out of your way to get super high strength bolts

[Josie'sLandCruiser]

Hi All:

"LilJohn" any idea what length 8mm studs you used?

Thanks!

Alan