Focus Mk1 handbrake sticking at caliper - fixable?

[MajorMantra]

The handbrake mechanism on my OS caliper is sticking, meaning that it doesn't work at all. On the NS caliper it springs back of its own accord as it should, but the OS one only moves when I whack it with something. As a result, the handbrake is totally ineffective on the left side, while it works fine on the right.

I've found plenty of posts about similar problems, but none giving a fix other than replacing than caliper. Is there any way I might unstick it?

[MajorMantra]

Will have to have a go. It's not so much the cost of the caliper putting me off, more the faff of bleeding (never done it before).

[MajorMantra]

You're right, I should probably man up and do it. Yesterdays bruising experience with stuck carrier bolts has dampened my enthusiasm slightly though... (Much swearing and pounding with a hammer freed them, eventually.)

The spring is indeed still attached. But I think the lever is too stiff for a new spring to help, I can only move it with a hammer.

[MajorMantra]

Locknut said:

Are you using a penetrating oil? That should free it up.

I've got plusgas, but without knowing exactly how the caliper is constructed I'm wary of just blasting it about. Don't want it near the pads/pistons.

[MajorMantra]

AdamIndy said:

Recon calipers are cheap. Sub £50 iirc. You get money back if you send your old one back to them too so really is a cheap fix. I had to replace one on mine.

Look on YouTube for brake bleeding advice. It really is easy. I know it's daunting being the stopping force of your car, many years ago I used to hate touching brakes but they are a very very simple system.

Reckon something like this will be ok?:

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/REAR-LEFT-BRAKE-CALIPER-...

...Or should I be looking elsewhere for genuine recon units?

[MajorMantra]

Cheers gents. Got a caliper on order.

[MajorMantra]

Cable is definitely moving, although I'm not 100% sure it's fully free. The lever is clearly stuck however - quite obviously so when compared to the other side.

[MajorMantra]

Update, because I like it when people follow up these threads...

Replacement caliper has done the trick, and bleeding went ok. I think the pedal might be a teensy bit softer than it used to be, but everything is working.

Another job I can do!