I hate Drum Brakes

[QUOTE="RustyGreen, post: 28723506, member: 337468]
[/QUOTE]

HOLY CRAP that is a mess!

 

To clarify, this was in reference to the lever under the driver's seat on the underside of the truck. The primary cable runs from the handle across a pulley, and out the bottom of the cab. It them connects to the end of a lever to multiply the force applied to the brakes. A secondary cable runs from this lever back to the brakes. It was this lever I was referring to hitting with a hammer, thus pulling the primary cable. The primary cable seems to be getting bound up, and not retracting the handle fully.

 

I pulled the adjusters apart, cleaned them, and sprayed a little lithium grease inside to allow ease of movement once reinstalled.

 

The whole handbrake system relies on fairly small springs to fully return to the release position, any drag or bind will cause it to hang up.
Clean & re-lube everything and your problems will probably be resolved.

I live in snow & salt country, handbrakes and I have a long history filled with colorful words... --

 

Another place to check for the cable is free to move.

Is where the rear cable splits that the nylon bushings are free to move.

I have come across them removed and replaced with a bolt and nut cranked down unable to move.

Living slightly south of Mr Green once I rebuild the parking brake I seldom have issues unless the vehicles sit outside for months.

Never Seize works wonders .