Hi Chari,

Here's a thought.

Last week-end I changed the oil and rotated the tires. I noticed that the R rear wheel was not turning freely--as if the handbrake were barely on. I checked the lever and it was not engaged. Also, the L rear wheel turned freely.

Upon closer inspection I noticed that the R handbrake cable had about 4 inches of the rubber sheath torn away and the outer metal cable was covered with rust. So, I soaked it with PB Blaster, worked the lever a few times and flexed the cable. Finally, the drum brakes released.

So I then adjusted the shoes on both sides. I also wrapped the tear with 3-M vinyl tape.

I believe the sheath was torn several months ago when the tire blew on that wheel and the sidewall scraped the cable. It probably took water and salt to corrode the cable.

I hope this helps,

Bryan