v-brake advice needed for newbie

[Richard.1]

New to bikes and trying to do my own maintenance. My bike is a used hybrid I bought to commute to work.
When I go to unhook my brake cable from the brake housing - it is a real struggle and also when I go to put it back it is even more so. My bake pads are worn and I am going to change these very soon but I am doubting this the cause. I can of course loosen to make more slack but then my brakes don't work. Any help appreciated.

 

[mjr]

If it's stiff but possible then some are just like that, sadly. It seems to vary wildly between brands.

 

[raleighnut]

Some good tips here

https://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_detailpage&v=ZjX5yGR0TnI

 

[lpretro1]

It's a good idea to screw out the barrel adjuster at the lever end first then secure the cable so the brakes DO work. Then if you need to undo the brake to get there wheel out all you do is unscrew the barrel adjuster a bit and voila