Parking brake

[cheffy]

Well its MOT time - well not till the end of March, but, I put it in to my new (to me) garage on Friday, it failed on OSF lower suspension arm and parking brake inefficient.
My garage couldn't give me any idea on how much this may cost, because with the handbrake, it could be several things, and they wont know till they get it in and have a look at it ! I've never NOT been able to get an estimate for any car re repairs before, although I am dropping it off this afternoon anyway, does anyone know if there may be a common fault with the parking brake on a W211 estate ?

 

[pmcgsmurf]

Given that it's the shoes in the drum it is very unlikely to be a problem there unless you make a habit of using it when moving.

I'd bet it will be the cable needing adjusted or a stiff/rusty linkage on this.

 

[DaveE320CDI]

Most common problem with merc parking brake is that lots of owners do not use them! instead putting the car into park when stopped, what happens is the brake drums become rusty and the brake shoes deteriorate by not coming into contact with the drums, if not too bad can be cleaned up and adjusted and be fine not a massive job really unless you need new brake shoes and drums

 

[OneForTheRoad]

A quick adjust of the shoes should sort it.

 

[ChrisHGTV]

Well its MOT time - well not till the end of March, but, I put it in to my new (to me) garage on Friday, it failed on OSF lower suspension arm and parking brake inefficient.
My garage couldn't give me any idea on how much this may cost, because with the handbrake, it could be several things, and they wont know till they get it in and have a look at it ! I've never NOT been able to get an estimate for any car re repairs before, although I am dropping it off this afternoon anyway, does anyone know if there may be a common fault with the parking brake on a W211 estate ?

Apologies in advance as I guess this is off-topic but I used to have an issue with the parking brake on my Alfa every year. Tried all sorts - new pads and discs, much fiddling with the calipers. (This was done by my local garage we use for MoT's - they are a garage I would trust). I got so fed up with the brake issue (and it was rubbish at holding the car) I thought i'd have a look myself. So I researched on the Alfa forum and adjusted it so that the leverage against the actuator was much better. It literally took 10 minutes and has been perfect ever since - holding the car on a slope with ease. So I guess the moral is there could be a sweet spot for adjustment to get the most holding power.

 

[m80]

Adjustment at the adjuster if you're lucky.
Adjustment at each drum if they are unevenly worn.
Freeing up or replacement of a rusted adjuster if not used often, or just plain seized with rust.
Replacement of shoes if old and worn out or material has disintegrated (I'm doing mine for that reason later).

Then they might inform you that the drums are worn, this creates a lip that makes removal difficult and can damage hold down springs.
The backing plates can rust and fail to hold the hold down springs. If they aren't willing to cut new plates for refitting that can be a big job.

It sounds like they have enough experience on these to be wary of making false promises.

 

[cheffy]

I've been quoted £279 to replace lower suspension arm and adjust the handbrake - suspension arm has to be replaced that apparently is £159 !

 

[m80]

Hopefully not nicking the thread.
I had some trouble in that a back plate let go of the hold down spring. It was getting late and dark and forcast for today was fair so I'll go back out shortly.

Anyway my intention is to use a stainless bolt, dia to be determined but maybe 4mm. I shall grind a flat along the thread, be sure the spring will sit into a thread, and file out some if not. Then cut perhaps 20mm length to feed between the curly spring bit and back plate.
It'll be fiddly.

 

[Petrol Pete]

I've been quoted £279 to replace lower suspension arm and adjust the handbrake - suspension arm has to be replaced that apparently is £159 !

Normally the bushings can be pressed out of the arm and replaced. Most garages would rather just change the arm as it is quicker and easier than them spending (possibly) hours heating the arm up , finding/making push tools etc , just too much hassle for most garages , especially as the car will be on the lift for much longer than just a quick swap out of the whole arm.