First post so be gentle.

Had 2 handbrake problems recently

First

about a month ago with handbrake lever getting even stiffer (always been a bit stiff). Forums to the rescue - removed jumbo box console (brilliantly described by Chrispy,s post) and filed and lubed plastic track, giving a freed up handbrake lever.

Second

last week with -7°C temps, had rear brakes binding with lack of 'pull' to handbrake lever - after 3 mile journey, nearside rear disc was very hot (3 finger tips are still burnt) and offside rear disc warm and front discs were cold by comparision. Found offside handbrake cable at fault with inner cable partially seized

Had to use mole grips on nipple to pull and push inner cable to free up with some aerosol lube squirted in has given a temporily free cable - but will replace this cable soon because I suspect it will seize again. Did this on both sides, finding the other side free to pull/push. So effectively the nearside cable was seizing up (with muck/water) and holding nearside caliper on. It can't be very healthy driving around on icy roads with one or maybe both rear brakes effectively always on and fuel economy won't be helped.

Have yet to replace cable - and find how to remove cable from cabin end.

Am now checking for lack of 'pull' to handbrake lever for confidence that handbrake is releasing OK

Stripped down as follows

after removing rear wheel and with handbrake off (chock front wheels), disconnect handbrake cable at caliper end (remove rubber sleeve over cable nipple/caliper lever and use 13mm spanner on caliper lever pivot to allow nipple to disegage from lever). Release outer cable retained by 2 sprung plastic clips and pull cable back through guide hole and unclipped from wire hanger. Cable now more accessible for push/pull check.

This should help.

http://skoda.workshop-manuals.com/octavia-mk2/index.php?id=72

My car goes in tomorrow to get the offside rear calliper replaced under warranty as the lever part of the calliper (the bit the handbrake attaches to) does not move back far enough when the handbrake is released. The handbrake cable and all that is fine, just this lever which is sticking.

I have posted about handbrake and overheating (cherry / orange coloured) disc on offside due to this issue.

Took it to the garage, who initially said - "Can't find anything wrong Mr Fisher" but further investigation by me identified the problem and I told them the fault, which they now acknowledge as an issue and are replacing the calliper.