Right rear parking brake wasn't doing much as per turn by hand test. I replaced the little drum brakes as one was starting to delaminate. 21 years of junk was brake cleaned out (original owner). It must be the cable. I got a new one at volvo. The expander looks ok. I could tug the old cable a bit. Time will tell. It might be bad to replace just one cable. I got it at volvo for $84, they seem to be under $30 elsewhere.

The brake cables will rust and freeze up with lack of use. If you pull off the center console and then pull up on the handle, you will see that the bar connecting the two sides will not move on the 'frozen' cable. If the bar does not favor one side when pulling up on the handle, it could be just the adjustment at the star wheel is needed.

Yes, after 21 years, the brake shoes will delaminate and need to be replaced. Remember to loosen the brake adjustment at the center console before adjusting the star wheel.

The expander parts are usually in good shape, but a thin coating of brake grease will help to keep the rust away.

The cable hold down under the front seat (plastic) is a bear until you use a large screwdriver to just pry it straight up from the floor. I now do that just by 'feel'. The 'rivet' on the rear swing arm can be replaced with a sheet metal screw.
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Keeping it running is better than buying new

Thank you Klaus. The cable is almost out and has internal resistance, the casing is showing failures. Photo under rear seat shows what might be a broken retainer (that you mentioned). http://s1314.photobucket.com/user/84quattro/media/volvo%20850/IMG_0080-BrakeCableUnderRRearSeat-Annotated_zps0mmorhpi.jpg.html


If I think way back the front carpet was replaced under warantee as I wore a hole in it. So maybe some of this under carpet stuff had been messed with in 1998. Still they wouldn't likely tough that brake cable retainer.

The rivet on the control arm is still there but i broke it's loop.

I should probably plan on doing the other side while I have the rear seat out.