Handbrake issue

[bluoval6]

The handbrake on my 98 started acting up the other day and now doesn't want to ratchet and the release buttom is getting jammed. Upon closer inspection I found the remains of some plastic piece that has disintegrated and is allowing the release rod to slip off the pawl and jam up. Has anyone had this issue? Is there any way to repair this without replacing the assembly? Thanks,

Scott

[bluoval6]

Nobody? Does everyone just replace the handbrake assembly? I guess I'll pull mine out and try to come up with a fix. If I do, I'll share it (if I figure out how to post pics).

[paul somlo]

I've had mine out, but don't recall any plastic pieces in there. The pin that the toothed sector pivots on had wallowed out the hole in the sheet metal frame. I enlarged and made round again, the hole in the frame, with a stepped sheet metal bit. I ended up turning a new pivot pin, as well. In the past, I had removed the assembly to try and recut the teeth on the sector with a file. It's better now, but still tends to slip if I get aggressive with it. For $46, I should just replace it.

[bluoval6]

Where'd you find one for $46? The only ones I could find were north of $100.

[paul somlo]

I misspoke - Realoem shows $46, which isn't accurate. The cheapest I see out there is $69 w/free ship from ECS.

[bluoval6]

That's not too bad. Thanks for the info!