Nah, it's easy. Get under the car, and just behind the middle box of the exhaust, behind the heat shield, you'll see a long threaded bar, with a 13mm nut on it. Loosen this off the end of the bar and pull the cable off. Behind each wheel and disc you'll see the cable is clipped over a hook, with the return spring over that. Unhook here. Ths is easy now there's no tension (esp. if your's is snapped!). Then just replace. Tighten the threaded abr once it's all connected back up so it clicks about 4 times before the car is held tight. After a few weeks you'll need to tighten it again as the new cable beds in.
It's also worth getting a gen Vaux one, only about £20.

 

n1 mate

top advice :beer:

 

adjusting the handbrake is a nightmare

i'v followed the haynes guide and started fiddling with adjuster wheel in the rear disc brake. handbrake still isnt adjusted right and i'v give up

 

adjusting the handbrake is a nightmare

i'v followed the haynes guide and started fiddling with adjuster wheel in the rear disc brake. handbrake still isnt adjusted right and i'v give up

I second that
I've got one side that the handbrake works and the other doesnt.
I give up for now.
I've swapped the cables, discs shoes and all the internal parts.
Will try to adjust it another day.
First gear serves as a good handbrake for now lmao

 

i've sent mine into the garage for the experts to do. cba messing with the brakes anymore than i have

 

The drum auto adjusters are poo, I normally end up with a torch and small screw driver pushing the adjuster round till i'm happy with the setting I get.