Check the 240 degree brakes post below for more info:

I have a 91SE, so we're talking about the rear brakes as combination e-brake and standard braking. The brakes work just fine when I use them just like normal ole brakes. When I pull the parking brake and then release it though, the driver's rear caliper doesn't release the disc. I tried whacking on the e-brake mechanism with a crewdriver and hammer, and it helped just a little bit. I pulled it again, and then released it, and this time it stayed locked onto the disc. I played with the wire conecting the e-brake, and it had slack in it, so I know it wasn't still pulling, and I whacked on the mechanism again, but it wouldn't budge, and didn't help at all.

I ended up pulling to brakes off and turning the rear piston back a quarter turn, which I might add was nearly impossible. I even had the little tool from autozone that fits a socket wrench, and I had to crack the fluid way open, and push for all I was worth. I put a little lubricating/penetrating oil into the boot hoping that it would work it's way in so that it won't freeze up.

Any recomendations?

 

It sounds like that caliper is messed up internally. I don't know what's wrong with it, but it's obviously messed up.. I would suggest buying a caliper from a salvage yard, and a caliper rebuild kit form a nissan dealer, then rebuild the salvage job and install on your car.

the rebuild kit simply contains new seals and boots for the pins.. pretty simple if you know what you're doing- and it sounds like you do if you know enough to get this far on your brakes. the kits run about $15/set.. the set will do both rear calipers.

A salvage caliper should run you about $40..
BE SURE TO GET THE CORRECT ONE!! They changed calipers on production date of about 9/90, so make sure you get the correct one. I got parts off a 90 and a 94 when I was working on my car, and I ended up with a royally messed up job.. the problems are the bolt holes are different diameters and the e-brake cable end is different.
the best way to make sure you've got the right one is to take your old one with you and make sure the e-brake cable connectors are the same.
good luck man..