I have tried many times to adjust the rear drum brakes on a friend's 230SL. The brake linings are fine. I must say, I think the design of these rear brakes is suspect, however, I must think that Mercedes must have thought the design to be OK. So, I am suspicious of the friction disks that keep the brake adjustment intact for at least a few hundred miles, and should be at least a few thousand miles.
The rear brakes on this 230SL, after adjustment (and please, with all due respect, I have the owner's manual which is clear on how to adjust the rear brakes and have followed it well) do not hold the adjustment. After less than 100 miles, the brake pedal goes more than halfway down.
The master cylinder is new, all brake hoses replaced, new fluid, but the rear brakes continue to lose their adjustment. The brake pedal is fine after the rear brakes are adjusted. Again, I think the friction disks which allow the adjustment to remain intact for awhile are shot. Where can I get the parts?
Thanks to all!
Bruce Tews