My handbrake - what the f@&k is going on?

Im trying to sort out the handbrake on my 200 defender and its ****ing me rit off now!!

Basically i have lubricated both the adjuster and the mechanism, i have set the cable so its free when off and binds when on but for aome reason it will not come off once applied. I have adjusted both nuts so the cablez tight but forsome reason it will not release properly. I can move it back with my fingers by puling onthe rod and its not aticking, its just that the cable doesnt seem to push enough to realease it. If i tighten the cable then it will bond when its off...

Am i doing something wrong? Is this a common fault? I have searched but can only find how to adjust the adjuster and not that it wont release properly...

Got a disc handbrake on mine so no experiance of the adjuster, but what is the cable sheath like are they rusty and dragging a few strands of cable grabbing the outer sheath ? what about the cable route is it the normal route no tight bends for it to stick on ?

cables often need replacing and are cheap ,expander often stiffens ,

Cable seems to be ok, it moves fine and isnt frayed but may just change it anyway, im thinking new return springs maybe although they had planty of spring. Both mech and adjuster are free and greased up... thats the frustrating thing as i dont really want to spend out until i can afford an x- brake or something better than standard anyway...

you only have cable ,linkage and expander that can seize/stiffen .its worth looking at expander as ramps can get worn making rollers stick

Have you got the wedge's around the right way. If they are facing the wrong way there isn't as much movment.