W203 coupe hand(foot) brake linkage

[Nuclear Bob]

My 2002 coupe's hand - sorry - footbrake is sticking - or rather the warning light fails to go out unless I put the foot brake on really hard, then release it again. How do I lubricate the linkage mechanism - under the dashboard? I have renewed the rear handbrake pad springs (they were rusty , so replaced at the same time as getting new rear brake pads fitted - local garage, about £20 labour)

 

[star]

My 2002 coupe's hand - sorry - footbrake is sticking - or rather the warning light fails to go out unless I put the foot brake on really hard, then release it again. How do I lubricate the linkage mechanism - under the dashboard? I have renewed the rear handbrake pad springs (they were rusty , so replaced at the same time as getting new rear brake pads fitted - local garage, about £20 labour)

try lubing the linkage under the rear seat.under inspection plate

 

[television]

try lubing the linkage under the rear seat.under inspection plate

As Star and make sure that the spring is intact

 

[John Kerr]

You need to adjust the linkage under the back seat to remove slack out of the cable,five or six clicks is all you should have on the pedal,Had the same with mine, very annoying.

 

[Nuclear Bob]

W203 hand (foot) brake

Thanks - I have lubricated the linkage under the rear seat and it is better - but still some problems with the dash light not going out. Incidentally, the 'notching /clicking ' is absent when I put the brake on - I have been told by a Merc specialist that this isn't a problem - the plastic device near the footwell has broken. Is it easy - and cheap - to fit another one?

 

[David Nock]

My last C Class had a broken 'clicker'. The dealer told me, like you, that it was only a cosmetic click and not needed. The car went thousands of miles without it - no problems.

 

[BlackC55]

Thanks - I have lubricated the linkage under the rear seat and it is better - but still some problems with the dash light not going out. Incidentally, the 'notching /clicking ' is absent when I put the brake on - I have been told by a Merc specialist that this isn't a problem - the plastic device near the footwell has broken. Is it easy - and cheap - to fit another one?

Lubricate it while holding the release handle out and operating the pedal a number of times to work in the lube.

Then put a few turns on the adjusting nut (13mm)

I take it you are lubricating the mechanism under the seat?

 

[Nuclear Bob]

Yes, I have lubricated the mechanism under the rear seat cover plate. I'll tighten it up a bit too.Is it necessary to lubricate the foot pedal linkage under the dashboard too? Thanks for the help

 

[BlackC55]

Yes, I have lubricated the mechanism under the rear seat cover plate. I'll tighten it up a bit too.Is it necessary to lubricate the foot pedal linkage under the dashboard too? Thanks for the help

No need just the parts under the seat.

 

[star]

Make sure the pivot on the linkge moves freely. or you could start afresh and loosen cable, adjust handbrake shoes in rear hub, then adjust cable up again.

 

[coolpot]

interesting ive had all of your problems on my 2002 coupe too.

Most interesting is the lack of noise, indeed that part just makes the ratchet noise! and i have had mine replaced 4 times in 1.5years!!! lol still the part is £4, and it takes 5mins for them to fit it, ive never been charged for the fitting yet heheh

twice i have actually had the "cog like" bit break off and at 1st thought it was a stone under my foot! turned out to just be a piece of my car hehe

 

[tujbx]

I had the same issue with the light not going off. A bit more tension on the cable sorted it out. And I now make sure I use the thing every now and then! Mines is auto and my merc guy says its really common for these probs cos noone uses the brake

 

[colifecape]

Why?

Why would the linkage have a cover inside the car, but not on the outside where the exhaust and outside elements live?

I just had to refit the offside cable back on, I think only cos it needed adjustment - too loose. Drowned in anti-sieze and all well.


C

 

[Tilly]

Did mine yesterday. Had the problem for years, but just lived with it... or the missus did..(which is probably why I never bothered)

Four nuts, to take off the rear seat, two little bolts, and one larger one, takes off the inspection plate. You will then see the linkage. Apply some penetrating spray on it, leave it, then operate it about 10-20 times. It will get looser until it just pops back, causing the light to go out... Then make sure you grease it up.

Simples..!!