I know this tends to be a common with the Maxima's. The question is...what parts do I need to fix this problem?

BTW the car is a 97 SE 5spd.

 

Explain your problem a little further? But to loosen the brake, just get under the car locate the spring with the cable mounted to it, and free up some slack.

 

On my 96 I 30, my rear left brake was sticking. I checked it out and it turned out to be the rear left caliper. I switched it out and all is good now. Do you think this might be a similar problem to what you are having?

Basically the caliper boot had cracked and let moisture in so the thing rusted up and would not depress anymore. It was a pretty easy thing to take care of.

 

YEah sticky calipers happen to 4th gnes a lot too, I've replaced my 2 front.

 

When I release the parking brake there is some slack in the brake lever. You can pull it up a few clicks and there is no tension in the handle. When driving the brake will stick for awhile, then it will tighten back up.