Richard Moakes
Senior Member
- Joined
- May 19, 2002
- Messages
- 2,317
- Reaction score
- 1,466
- Location
- Newton Abbot, Devon, UK
- Your Mercedes
- CL500; ML500
Got my MOT next week, and the parking brake has been less than sparkling recently, so something had to be done!
I fitted new brake linings last year, so they weren't the problem, so I tried the usual suspects of the adjusters in the drums and at the balancing unit above the propshaft. Unfortunately it didn't make enough difference, so new cables were called for.
Removing the old cables was fun! I don't like drum brakes with all those springs, but needs must I guess. Once I had the pin removed on the shackle and the bolt holding the cable to the hub removed, it was possible to remove the cable from the brake end. The end on the balancer is somewhat different and requires a certain amount of contortion to unhook it.
Fitting the new cables was relatively easy, I ordered up all new bolts, clips and grommets, so everything installed nicely without fuss. It seems to be necessary to attach at the balancer first and then connect the shackle in the drum mechanism. Re-installing the upper and lower springs was a nightmare as usual, boy am I glad we don't use drum brakes any more, disc brakes are much more civilised
I adjusted everything at the drums, tightened them up until they were binding and then backed off slightly, then removed all slack in the cables at the balancer. Then the big moment, and thankfully the parking brake fully engages within 3 clicks, and is pretty good from 1 click onwards.
If only my MOT man appreciated the efforts I go through to keep him happy
I fitted new brake linings last year, so they weren't the problem, so I tried the usual suspects of the adjusters in the drums and at the balancing unit above the propshaft. Unfortunately it didn't make enough difference, so new cables were called for.
Removing the old cables was fun! I don't like drum brakes with all those springs, but needs must I guess. Once I had the pin removed on the shackle and the bolt holding the cable to the hub removed, it was possible to remove the cable from the brake end. The end on the balancer is somewhat different and requires a certain amount of contortion to unhook it.
Fitting the new cables was relatively easy, I ordered up all new bolts, clips and grommets, so everything installed nicely without fuss. It seems to be necessary to attach at the balancer first and then connect the shackle in the drum mechanism. Re-installing the upper and lower springs was a nightmare as usual, boy am I glad we don't use drum brakes any more, disc brakes are much more civilised
I adjusted everything at the drums, tightened them up until they were binding and then backed off slightly, then removed all slack in the cables at the balancer. Then the big moment, and thankfully the parking brake fully engages within 3 clicks, and is pretty good from 1 click onwards.
If only my MOT man appreciated the efforts I go through to keep him happy
