I understand the function and operation. Small brake shoes press against the brake drum when the car is sitting still, and in my case, the car is in Park.

Why should brake shoes ever need replaced? The wheels are not turning, so there's no wear.

The 1990 300E (about 100 K mile) and the 1995 E420 both seem to need something. Both have been adjusted, and the brake peddle still goes too far. The 300E does not seem to catch at all, and the E420 catches (that is holds the car while in neutral) but I must push the peddle very far.

Granted my mechanic replaced the parking shoes on the 560SL, and the brakes hold nice and tight. Ahhh good for the transmission.

What cause Parking Brakes to go bad?

How do you determine the cable needs replaced? Does it stretch?

Is rust something to consider? Are either the cables, hardware or shoes affected by rust? The 300E has some rust.

Pointing me to a thread that discusses how to replace them is greatly appreciated. I have a habit of putting brake shoes on backwards. Oh how I love disk brakes. Although, I suppose I could take pictures of before and after - ah the joy of digital photography.

Thanks

__________________
Thanks for the help
Bill Fisher

'86 560SL (186K) - Now a 'classic' : Registered as an Historic Vehicle
02 E430 in the stable
'14 LS460 (Lexus)
- - - - -
'95 E420 (198K) found a new home
'99 E320 (80K) (gave it's life for me as we hit a bumper)
'95 E420 (231K) Sold to a happy buyer, new to Mercedes
'90 300E (65K) Sold to an Mercedes Lover
'92 190E (215K) - retired to the salvage yard
'93 500SEL (214K) - Moved to another family, still runs like a young pup