Parking brake not releasing!!

Hello fellow mechanics,

I'm having the following problem with my Galaxy:
The handbrake is stuck and won't release, specifically the lever for the disc brake.
'It's stuck somehow and can only be removed by using a wrench to...'
'Tried to turn the car, but I was underneath it, so I couldn't.'
Having would be so much fun, so I would be grateful for any suggestions regarding repairs.
Is it possible to disassemble the handbrake mechanism and reassemble it, or does it require special tools? If so, is it feasible?
---HOW ??????
Thank you for your suggestions.

Mike

Hello Mike!
The problem you described is unfortunately very common in practice, especially when drivers (including myself...) rely solely on the gear or 'P' when leaving the vehicle. Like with almost all parts of the car, it's possible to disassemble and rebuild the brake caliper, and I believe Stahlgruber, for example, offers repair kits for them, but... a) it's a terrible job, and b) you have no guarantee that it will work again. Simply disassembling and reassembling it after cleaning isn't enough either, because you'll destroy the seals in the process. Unfortunately, in practice, the brake calipers are completely replaced. Just about a year ago, it was only the calipers that needed replacing, and the cost was around 500 [currency unspecified].
I'm sorry I couldn't tell you anything good about it...

Regards,

Dominique.

Hello Mike,
I think the handbrake mechanism will be the same as on my old Golf2 16V, where a cam pushes the piston onto the disc. I once had a problem with the handbrake mechanism being stuck, but the effort required for disassembly was actually quite limited. It takes about an hour, but you have to be very careful and handle the boot gently. The pin for the eccentric was stuck and rusted in place.

Best regards,
Thomas