E320 CDI Handbrake Brake Shoes.

[Mercious]

After full adjustment at the drums the shoes still don't hold the car when the handbrake is applied.

The foot pedal is firm and the hand release is at a good tension so:

If the adjustment is made at the drums is there any adjustment I can make on the cable under the back seat that will improve things?

Two garages say "No" and, the one that adjusted up the shoes at the drums didn't even look at the cable under the seat, saying (as later did the other garage) "it's self adjusting so there's no point in touching it".

So, I'm having the drums off and, because I want to be prepared, can you tell me the best make of shoes I should get and do Mercedes stealers do the best and what do they cost for the set of four.

And, if I go elsewhere (Eurocar place etc) can I just buy the beggars and get them quick i.e. pay online and nip round the local europlace and pick them up?

Don't ask a lot do I?

And there's more.

I've not been getting the best deals recently because I've just got so little time with work so, if I'm told the tyres cost £180.00 each I just pay up. Which I did for those Dunlop 225/40R18XL 92Y TL Sport Maxx MFS.

But I had a puncture and had to move fast and get back to work.

Now everyone, all together now tell me what a numptie I am and how you could have got the tyres for £50.00 each.

I'll be back with more irritating questions.

 

[Mercious]

It's a 2000 210 E320 CDI Estate.

Life was so much easier when it was Borg And Beck.

 

[Dieselman]

I don't understand how parking brake shoes can wear out.

 

[DSM10000]

I don't understand how parking brake shoes can wear out.

+1

 

[Mercious]

Of course you're both right but there is adjustment via the access hole in the drum isn't there?

If there is, it could be for allowance for the springs stretching.

I suppose I'm imagining these handbrake shoes to be like old brake shoes but, now i think about it, they should never wear out.

Saying this, I have on two ocassions left the handbrake on for about five seconds when moving off.

Personally, I think the cable has jumped out of a guide somewhere and, that 'somewhere' I would think could be under the back seat.

Otherwise a shoe has slipped out of its position in the drum?

I'll have a good look tomorrow but, any ideas would be much appreciated.

 

[DSM10000]

Of course you're both right but there is adjustment via the access hole in the drum isn't there?

If there is, it could be for allowance for the springs stretching.

I suppose I'm imagining these handbrake shoes to be like old brake shoes but, now i think about it, they should never wear out.

Saying this, I have on two ocassions left the handbrake on for about five seconds when moving off.

Personally, I think the cable has jumped out of a guide somewhere and, that 'somewhere' I would think could be under the back seat.

Otherwise a shoe has slipped out of its position in the drum?

I'll have a good look tomorrow but, any ideas would be much appreciated.

You are correct, the adjusters for the shoes are reached through a hole in the rear disc / drum assembly, also there is an adjuster under the rear seat to take up slack in the cables.

 

[WOODYTHEWISE]

+1

Brakes used to stop the car causes the wear of the pads and discs due to friction. Hand brake shoes are not subject to friction. They are aplied when the vehicle is parked, ergo the shoes should not wear. I think that is what DM meant.

 

[DSM10000]

Brakes used to stop the car causes the wear of the pads and discs due to friction. Hand brake shoes are not subject to friction. They are aplied when the vehicle is parked, ergo the shoes should not wear. I think that is what DM meant.

I was agreeing with DM

 

[WOODYTHEWISE]

I am beating myself with a stout stick as I type.

 

[DSM10000]

I am beating myself with a stout stick as I type.

Each to their own I suppose, just do not post the video

 

[Tinkerer]

That is a very interesting argument DM which does sound entirely plausible ..... but .... why then when I changed my rear discs a few years ago did I have to 'de-adjust' the shoes before I could remove the drums because of the significant wear ridge? P.S. don't forget to release the auto cable adjuster before you attempt to adjust the shoes or you will get the problem that you describe. Good luck

 

[BlackC55]

I don't understand how parking brake shoes can wear out.

Because people leave them on and drive away.

Because people adjust them badly

Because they crack and fall to bits.

 

[Mercious]

I've had a look under the seat and under the felt-covered plastic panels and under the steel plate held down with three 10mm nuts and it's all very interesting but there's no adjustmen possible.

So, I'm on the case for the handbrake shoes because I doubt it's much else other than springs or misalignment of the shoes (spring-loaded holders might have failed).

I've had the car since October 2011 and something definitely moved about six months ago and the handbrake doesn't hold the car.

Because it's an automatic it hasn't been a priority but with MOT due soon it's time to get it sorted.

I've left the handbrake on twice in the time I've had the car but, the audible an visual warning means you pull the handbrake release handle within at most, five seconds.

Now that the shoes have been adjusted up (of course they wouldn't adjust if they were unaligned) drums off is the way forward.

 

[Mercious]

Excuse typos and thankyou to you all for taking the time to offer your help and advice.

It is much appreciated.