Posted by Peter Florance on July 29, 2002 at 21:09:41 from 65.120.51.109
In Reply to: Hand brake super hard posted by Michael on July 29, 2002 at 09:32:21:
Probably siezed cables but take a wheel off to investigate. Before you remove the rotor:
1. Tap on the hex retaining bolt with a center punch to loosen it up before trying to unscrew it. They often rust in place
2. If the rotor pulls off then you're ok. If not, rotate the hub so the a bolt hole is at the top about beyond straight up toward the rear of the car. Look inside with a flashlite and rotate the hub back and forth until you see the brake adjuster (should look like any typical drum brake adjuster).A 1/4" straigh sided screwdriver or ground down brake tool will fit in through the wheel bolt hole to engage the adjuster and loosen the screws until they clear the ridge on the inside of the rotor. At that point you can start pulling and yanking without braking a shoe or two.
Once open you can inspect the parts and see the the cable is free or not. Consider new spring kit (your dealer can get them).