MK2 Sticky seized handbrake cables - Can they be freed up?

[roadnutter]

Hi,

Been a long while since I last posted but i am now back to only having my MR2 Turbo as a daily driver and it MOT time.
My car failed its MOT on the handbrake and I have found the problem is the cables are sticking in the sheathed part before the calipers. they still reluctantly move. does this mean they need replaced or is there a method of lubricating them to free them up?

I've tried pumping WD40 down the sheath to free it up but with little success. The cables seized with lack of use, not wear.

Thanks James

[jonb-]

Often can free them off the car but they won't last long. Peter Gidden sells toyota parts.

[Red_Turbo]

sounds like you need new ones to be honest. i had the same problem with mine. they are quite cheep and available from a local non gen supplier like a motofacts/rapid parts that we have where im from but will be called somethin else where you are i would think

[chrispurvis100]

Anyone know the rough price of these handbrake cables??

[jonb-]

£50 for the mr t part.

No point in going for the blueprint ones, it's a false economy if you plan on keeping the car more than a few years as they generally sieze back up in that time.

The toyota parts are more than proven.

[chrispurvis100]

Is that £50 each??

[jonb-]

Around that, yes.

[nisnos]

its also not uncommon for the rear calipers to sieze too, get em checked before spending anything.
Again Peter Gidden sells these too.

dont spend any money til you know for certain which part it is, i know as that used to be my way, spend spend spend - oh cack wrong bit!

[Peter Gidden]

THe guys are right - ascertain what part is faulty.

Disconnect handbrake cable at caliper.

Have someone pull handbrake lever up and down whilst you watch cable. Cable end should move in and out of outer cable with no problem.

Grab hold of handbrake lever on caliper. It should move back and forth (with some effort), but it should move.