Parking brake release

[Stratman]

The release mechanism for my parking brake (W203 '04) has been a bit iffy for a while, namely when pulled the pedal wouldn't pop back and it needed to be pressed down further still to make the ratchet release, then helped up with the foot to make the light go out. Today I pulled the handle and something gave way, now the brake won't latch on at all.

What's the most likely problem?

 

[DSM10000]

Have a look at this thread, it may help: http://www.mbclub.co.uk/forums/wheels-tyres/124416-parking-brake-will-not-latch.html

 

[Stratman]

Fixed

After much effing and blinding caused by the lower fascia panel getting in the way no matter where it was positioned (Haynes 'pass the bonnet release handle through the hole' has got to be a joke), I looked for any broken parts that had fallen through but there were none. The brake release handle had virtually no resistance and pulling it didn't seem to move anything at the pedal end.

The ratchet system seemed to be OK but it just wouldn't latch. Then the lightbulb went on over my head. "What if it's stuck in the release position?"

The small spring seemed to be hyper extended so I reached up and pulled down whatever it hooked to at the top. It moved, the spring looked happier and the pedal latched.

What I think happened was the release cable outer, for whatever reason, jumped out of its detent at the handle end. Pulling on the handle to release the brake pulled the ratchet release much too far causing it to jam in the release position.

I'm still a little concerned that there doesn't seem to be any positive cable retention behind the release handle, it seems to rely solely on the little spring tension to force it into a detent.