87 300SDL Emergency Brake
 

Just lately, when I release the emergency brake on the 87 W126 300SDL, the pedal only returns about half way and the light stays on. A gentle tap with the toe to lift it up into normal driving position and all is well. Does not appear as if the brake is actually sticking, whether I have lifted the pedal, or just leave it half way. I have to depress the brake FULLY for it to work properly when parking. I have not done anything to repair yet, like look for a spring, look for an obstruction (carpet in the way etc.), lube, ……….

General emergency brake system information and things to look for would be welcome, as I plan on going over it this weekend.

I tried the search, but did not see much that applied directly, although I did learn quite a bit about emergency braking in panic situations!? and whether or not SUV's are safe??. Fruitless searching has also made me more aware of my thread title and information that I include in the text, so that future searchers can find model specific information more easily (see title and first laborious sentence of this post). Larry Bible has an excellent post on getting the most from your post in the sticky’s http://www.peachparts.com/shopforum/showthread.php?t=127342 in case you have not seen or read it.

Thanks as always,

Clay

sounds like
 

it could use an adjustment of the cable. then if it still sticks partwa y up, lube or a new return spring may be in order. lube regardless.

tom w

How/where do you adjust it from? What is the proper lube?

Thanks,

Clay

Don't assume the brakes themselves are OK, check them. My SDL responded to the toe trick for a while, before they finally stuck on. Stuck on hard! Brakes mechanism was quite rusty, and finally jammed on. Nothing was wrong with the cable...

Best Regards,
Jim

http://www.peachparts.com/shopforum/diesel-discussion/127470-sdl-park-brake-pedal-just-old-car.html

It hasn't gotten worse so I haven't done anything about it.

Sixto
95 S420
87 300SDL

NOW I'M SCARED!!! :eek:


OK, now I'm feeling better.

The hazards of the search, I always call it the e-brake, so I never thought to search for "parking brake" DOH!

I'll post back what I find this weekend.

Clay

Mine did that, the mechinism under the car that the three cadles attach to was rusted solid! I managed to salvage it and will probably replace it later his year when the trans is out. I would also sudjest that you pull your rear rotors off and inspect the shoes.