Rear disc removal, '83 500SL

[oliverg]

I've tracked down a squeaking, groaning noise to one of the rear brakes. It seems the handbrake is stuck almost on, one side spins free wheras the other needs lots of force to turn. I've been trying to find out how to back off the adjuster, but can't figure out at which point it's located. Then I've been trying to take the disc/drum off - the 350/450 handbook I've got says "just tap it off" no way! it refuses to move. I've tried a puller around the disc but am worried about applying too much force.
Any bright ideas, tips as to how to get these things off
Oliver

 

[Ian Brown]

The adjuster should be located at either the one o'clock or the eleven o'clock position hope this helps

 

[turnipsock]

If you take the free running side off, you should be able to see what is going on and then be able to back of the adjuster on the stiff side. Either way you'll get an idea what is inside.

The problem will be that you are pulling the shoes along with the disk. You should be able to put a puller on and tighten it up a bit. You should be able to see the shoes through the hole, simply put something through the hole and knock them back (you will have to turn the disk to get at both of them). You might have to retension and repeat this, but this should work.

 

[clive williams]

If you take the free running side off, you should be able to see what is going on and then be able to back of the adjuster on the stiff side. Either way you'll get an idea what is inside.

The problem will be that you are pulling the shoes along with the disk. You should be able to put a puller on and tighten it up a bit. You should be able to see the shoes through the hole, simply put something through the hole and knock them back (you will have to turn the disk to get at both of them). You might have to retension and repeat this, but this should work.

If I can add to Turnipsock's comments - If you've got an old disc rotor then the inside edge of the drum will almost certainly have a corrosion rib, so that if you can't back off the adjuster then pulling it off will be almost impossible without ruining the brake shoes. Be prepared to buy some new ones.

Clive

500E
E320CDIT210