Handbrake won't release in left side (Elise S1)

[Sune]

Since I pulled the car out from winter storage, my handbrake will not release properly - just failed Danish MOT today The problem is worst in the left side although I suspect that it will eventually appear in the right side as well. What do I need to do? Is it a grease up job (the handbrake caliper arm) or do I need to refurbish the whole brake caliper assembly?

Thanks
Sune

[Justin S]

Might be the handbrake cable, might be the caliper. Take the wheel off and get someone to pull the handbrake on and off and see if the lever moves on the rear of the caliper. If the lever moves on and off, then it might be a sticking caliper. if the cable doesn't move, is possibly the cable.

[Sune]

Hmmm - I can get the handbrake arm to move to the extend where I can turn the wheel but the cable seems a bit tight, so I ordered a cable kit from Elise Parts. Then I'll see if this does the trick - otherwise I guess I need the refurbish both calipers..?
Besides the hassle of removing the he undertrays, are there any other things I should be mindfull of when I replace the handbrake cable?
Cheers,
Sune

[Justin S]

not personally done one to be honest. With the undertrays off, it is pretty obvious where they go. I would also get a rear wind back tool from Eliseparts and excercise the rear pistons in and out, in case it is sticking, rather than rebuilding.