OK---here's a weird one. '84 300D parked several months ago when I left to do the Iraq thing. Have just returned and of course the battery is dead. Tried to push the car out of the corner to access the battery, and it won't move. Parking brake seems to be releasing normally, and I am able to move the transmission selector to neutral, but the car won't move. Any ideas? Has lack of vacuum left the transmission in park, or perhaps the parking brake has developed a close personal attachment to the disc?
Thanks as always, Jeff
'84 300D
'00 ML430

Even the regular brake pads can attach themselves like that.... if the car is not moved for a while...
Jack up the front and see if you can turn an individual wheel with your hands...
If not pull the brake pads... and use Brillo pads on the rusty rotors... then dry, put it back together.. and don't let it sit so long next time.... Couldn't yall win the war quicker ?

The emergency brake shoes might be sticking too if it was applied when you left. If you can't move it on its own wheels, use a floor jack to get it where you can get it started and then try GENTLY rocking it back and forth in drive and reverse. When you park a car for extended times( a couple of months or more), it is a good idea NOT to apply the "E" brake unless you have to.

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My Truck.. 2007 DODGE, 5.9 Cummins, 6spd stick, 4X4. My car..1977 240D, OTHER WHEELS...1955 VW Oval window bug, European Delivery (Holland) with a 1700cc, 2 barrel, Porsche drum brakes. 1939 WILLYS Pick-up. 1967 Triumph 200cc Tiger Cub. 1976 Honda 550F 4cyl Motor Cycle.

B300FO,

Have you tried towing it out of the corner with your ML? That might break the brakes loose.

You won't hurt any of the brake parts if you skid the wheels, the brakes are made to skid the wheels. But you should be careful to connect the tow cable to a sturdy anchor on both vehicles.

If the brakes still won't release, try jacking up rear wheels and work them loose by using engine torque. If can get the rears loose you should be able to work the fronts loose with engine torque too.

The suggestion to remove the brake pads may not work because if they are stuck enough to lock the wheels, they won't come out easily unless you separate the calipers and that may cause other problems.

P E H

I suggested jacking up the front end so the parking brake would be isolated in the diagnostic line..
The front brake pads will come out fine because the distance UP which is not covered by the pads is very small... unlike the friction/rust going Around the disc...
I would Never suggest seperating the calipers under any circumstances... unless one KNEW they were going to be trashed....
Don't drag the car down the street to the neighbors driveway if the wheels don't turn ... LOL.... your riding would be like old polyester tires were EVERY morning.... A flat spot on everyone one....
I am assumeing the pads stuck to the discs.. not the caliphers stuck in compressed mode...

Leathermang---your solution worked. Managed to get the car rolling again and can now access the battery. Thanx to all.
Jeff

B300FO, Aside from the car having problems..... I'm hoping all is well with you! THANKS for serving yours and my country!! Chris

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My Truck.. 2007 DODGE, 5.9 Cummins, 6spd stick, 4X4. My car..1977 240D, OTHER WHEELS...1955 VW Oval window bug, European Delivery (Holland) with a 1700cc, 2 barrel, Porsche drum brakes. 1939 WILLYS Pick-up. 1967 Triumph 200cc Tiger Cub. 1976 Honda 550F 4cyl Motor Cycle.