My parking brakes had 2 problems.

1) The front cable was dragging, and not retracting fully. Had to pull up my foot under pedal to get it to return. There was a TSB for this, which was to replace the front cable. Did that.

2) Recently found that the lever actuator mechanism that the cable tugs on at wheel was seized. Both sides. Disconnected cables at (center) adjustor, and pulled them out enough to break them free, clean, and lube 'em. P Brakes work great now. I did replace the pads, springs, and rotors at the same time.

Also, an old rotor may drag due to uneven surface.

Or, the shoe adjustors or cable adjustor could be set too tight.

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1986 300E 5-Speed 240k mi.