Yes it is self adjusting,
They are quite simple to adjust, this guide details how to
http://forums.mercedesclub.org.uk/showthread.php?t=26764
A flashlight is handy to see the wheel that you need to move.
Just the fact that I have never had to adjust the parking brake of any MB that I have owned
I think that sometimes, and I don't imagine for a millisecond you would fall into this trap Malcolm, people adjust up on the cable rather than on the little star wheel adjusters inside the drum.
I tend to release the cable first, adjust up inside the drum, and then reset the cable to give just a little slack when in the off position.
The MB procedure for hand brake cable adjustment is rather arcane IMO - what do you think of it?
I have to confess that adjusting these is one of my least favourite jobs - I tend to get mixed up about which way I should be turning the little star wheel, and before I know it, I've backed the brake right off!
I used to fight with (and lose to!) a very similar brake on the rear axle of Carltons and Senators and some of the higher spec Cavaliers and Astras when I worked in a Vauxhall garage many years ago.
The footbrake on both front and rear axles, being disc brakes is entirely self adjusting.
The parking brake, operated by a small drum brake within the rear brake is not self adjusting, and it is worth checking and adjusting it if this hasn't been done for a while.
As mentioned above, I tend to slacken the cable first, adjust the parking brake, and then reset the cable, however, I would be interested to hear how others deal with them.
The footbrake on both front and rear axles, being disc brakes is entirely self adjusting.
The parking brake, operated by a small drum brake within the rear brake is not self adjusting, and it is worth checking and adjusting it if this hasn't been done for a while.
As mentioned above, I tend to slacken the cable first, adjust the parking brake, and then reset the cable, however, I would be interested to hear how others deal with them.
Sorry to bump an old thread - but it seems to be what I need to do - my parkingbrake is fairly useless - so assuming I can adjust a bit without removing the disc/hub from the rear (i.e. is there access from the back or something, or do I HAVE to remove the hub to adjust?)