Sorry for not being clear in my initial post, but I have already removed the cable ends from the engagement arms. Even without the cables attached, the engagement arms are difficult to move in either direction. That's why I was inquiring about lubricating them or putting on stronger springs.
Even if the cables are bad, shouldn't they still be able to pull the engagement arm into the engaged position? I understand that rusty cables may not want to release properly, but they should still be able to pull on the engagement arm, especially with the amount of tension they have when you pull on the parking brake lever. But mine can't seem to make the engagement arms move enough.
