Van has been sat for 2 weeks. Moved it to another spot and when I released the handbrake, the lever bounced back up just enough to put the light on the dash. Only stays down if you hold it down.

Any ideas?

First guess would be that the cables are starting to size probably rust building up inside the cable at some point some oil sprayed inside may help for a while if you can get to the end of it

Would that just be from being sat for a couple of weeks?

I agree with Chris. You could confirm by removing cover at lower/rear end of lever. It is conceivable that you are bending the inner section of the bowden cable, and it is springing back when released. Also check return spring on bell crank under vehicle is OK. Crank is located towards centre of vehicle, and roughly just across from the rear of the handbrake lever.

Excuse the grub, but in the photo. The metal cable doesn't cleanly retract. You can see where it has worn a bit due to it bending? Hard to describe. Just where the cable stars seems to be worn.

The cable won't fully retract into the rubber boot at the bottom. So it bounces back a tad

If it doesn’t prove to be rust inside the cable, try the lever at rear disc/shoes.

If spraying oil on the cable doesn't sort any rust build up, how can I sort it if that is the issue?
Thanks

You really have get the oil well into the cable to have any effect and at the rear end wether Caliper or shoes, you will have to make sure the lever that works at the wheels is free, obviously to do this you will have to have the wheels off and get right in there.

jimboy said:

You really have get the oil well into the cable to have any effect and at the rear end wether Caliper or shoes, you will have to make sure the lever that works at the wheels is free, obviously to do this you will have to have the wheels off and get right in there.

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The rear brakes were serviced not that long ago. Annoying that it may be an issue now!

May try adjusting the cable at the nut being the handle first. It does look slack from what I can see. So it is worth a try!

Gman88667733 said:

The rear brakes were serviced not that long ago. Annoying that it may be an issue now!

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It’s all guess work at this stage, all be it estimated. The whole system needs a proper look over, even to eliminate the obvious.

Gman88667733 said:

May try adjusting the cable at the nut being the handle first. It does look slack from what I can see. So it is worth a try!

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Did you solve the sagging cable?

Going to have a go this weekend. Haven't had time so far!
I will report back after I give it a go.

Hi Gman

It's possible if a steel stranded cable wears enough for a single strand to break. This strand then sticks out like a barb and jams on the ferrule/cable guide, preventing the cable from releasing fully. This effect can happen quite suddenly. Take a look under the rubber boot to make sure this isn't what's happening in your case.

Anthony489 said:

Hi Gman

It's possible if a steel stranded cable wears enough for a single strand to break. This strand then sticks out like a barb and jams on the ferrule/cable guide, preventing the cable from releasing fully. This effect can happen quite suddenly. Take a look under the rubber boot to make sure this isn't what's happening in your case.

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I'll have a look at this too. Thanks very much!

Gman88667733 said:

I'll have a look at this too. Thanks very much!

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Did you manage to rectify your cable problem?