Replaced both shoes about 4,000 mi.ago and now they are worn down to the metal.I am thinking that they were stuck open and just wore out.What could cause this to happen?

1.Cable(s) binding somewhere between the Pedal and the rear brakes.
[Brakes kept from releasing the pads by cable]
2.'Kinda weird,but a too tight "Adjustment" may have contributed.
3.' "Someone"(?) left the E-Brakes "ON".

__________________
'84 300SD sold
124.128

Should i lubricate the brake cables?

Check to see that the expander linkage at the end where the cable terminates is not seized.

__________________
Hanno
'79 6.9 Sold (after 27 years)
'83 280SL, 5 spd.
'94 E320 Sdn. 5 spd conversion
'02 E320 Sdn.(on loan to mom!)
'87 300E (5 spd. conversion) Sold
'05 E500 Wagon

Is that where the cable goes into the break shoe housing?

Yes, its on the brake side of the backing plate. Even with the parking shoes off its still a bear to free up if frozen.

__________________
Hanno
'79 6.9 Sold (after 27 years)
'83 280SL, 5 spd.
'94 E320 Sdn. 5 spd conversion
'02 E320 Sdn.(on loan to mom!)
'87 300E (5 spd. conversion) Sold
'05 E500 Wagon

Thanks for the help.

Can not pull out axels to get to the break springs.I removed the center bolt,but it will not come out. What am i missing?

The large nut holds the axle tightly to the hub. It does not hold the hub to the car. The axle will only come off if you also remove the 6(?) bolts holding the inner CV joint to the differential flange. BUT, this isn't going to remove the hub, it stays there after axle removal. I've never done the rear bearings so I don't know how it works. It does involve hub removal. Service manual is best here.

I'm assuming that the expander on the end of the brake cable is frozen. First approach would be to give is a shot of penetrating oil and come back tomorrow armed with vice-grips to hold a piece of it and a screwdriver to try to wedge the other piece into movement. Once it starts to move, more penetrating oil and lots of your labor (insert "time" here) will free it up.

EDIT: Just reread, missed question entirely. The hub does not need to come off to replace the shoes. The hold-down springs get pushed in and rotated to release through the bigger hole in the hub (needle pliers or MB special tool). The return springs use special hook tool or screwdriver and pliers. All methods require patience. Do one side at a time so when you are unsure of how it goes together again you have something to look at.

__________________
Hanno
'79 6.9 Sold (after 27 years)
'83 280SL, 5 spd.
'94 E320 Sdn. 5 spd conversion
'02 E320 Sdn.(on loan to mom!)
'87 300E (5 spd. conversion) Sold
'05 E500 Wagon