I have a 2000 Toyota Camry ( LE,V6).

I seem to have a sporadic problem with the parking brake. It sticks when I try to releae it. I wonder if there is anything you can suggest that will help.

Also, can you advise if I have to depress the thumb button when I
SET the parking brake, and do I release the parking brake before or after putting the car in gear?

THank you

 

Only need to press thumb button to release, not engage it.

If the car has 4-wheel disk brakes and your foot is firmly on the brake pedal when placed in gear the car should not move. Then it should not make a differance if E-brake is on or off.

If the car moves and or has rear drums it would be perhaps best to disengage the E-brake before putting trans in gear. This would prevent the shoes from shifting or trying to have the shoes retract when the brakes are applied.

What is sticking, the brake arm, brakes themselves?

 

What do you mean by "sticks"? Do you mean that the button is difficult to depress? If so, then pulling up on the lever while depressing the button should make it easier to disengage. The harder you pull on the lever to set the parking brake, the harder it is to release it.

No, you don't need to do this; however, I can think of only one benefit of doing so: it's quieter (i.e. you don'thear the repetitive "clicks" as you pull up on the lever).


I release mine after I put into reverse (or drive). Why? To reduce wear on the parking pawl.

http://www.driversedguru.com/driving...parking-brake/

 

Have you ever replaced the button. Mine is missing, 01Camry le