98 cav parking break cable

My parking break cable snapped after 127k miles. No big deal I got a new cable. Pulled out the old one all the way from the front. But I also replace both smaller cables that connect to the individual wheels. New cable works great but will not completely disengauge. I have backed off both brake spacers. But for some reason after I pull the park brake and then let it go back down the cable will not go completely slack on its own, and makes the brake pads rub on the drums. but it can be pushed back down and made slack with a flat head screw driver at the base of the parking break handle.
I have no idea what to try next.
Anyone have any clues???
Dan