When I apply the parking brake, then release the parking brake, ,the brakes do not release. The spring on the caliper does not fully push the lever all the way. I can push with my hand and that will free the brakes.

its not the cable, and this happened after I rep[laced he pads. I cannot find a diagram on how the piston is pushed out when the parking brake is applied.
My goal is to repair and free the mechanism so I don't have to spend 80.00 a side to replace otherwise a working caliper.

 

maybe ask a jobber/parts store if they sell a rebuild kit that includes ebrake parts.