Anyone remember how to fix a lazy parking brake return?

94 Caprice wagon.

Noticed my brake light was on when I came out after work today. Of course, my first thought was that I had sprung a leak. Not so fast! Turns out it is just the parking brake pedal dropping a notch. Only enough to just turn on the light. I can pull up on the pedal and the light will go out. I had the same problem on my old 9C1 ten years ago, and I "fixed" it with an elastic band. I would prefer to fix it correctly this time!

Is it just a matter of freeing up the mechanism at the drum backing plate? I didn't try cycling the parking brake because I didn't want it to stick on. If it sticks, I would rather deal with it at the school shop where I can get it up on the lift.

LMK if you have ideas/solutions...

Thanks,
Jason.

vice grips on the primary cable underneath,. hammer it back towards the rear of the car,. that usually takes up the slack,.make sure you have the pb pedal help up while doing it,.


Nick

Thanks, Nick. I probably moved it around when I was doing the brake line.

Corrosion can make the cable stick in the sheath. The return springs are in the brake mechanism inside the drum.