Emergency Brake Handle

[Largeowner]

Hello Folks,
I am a new member, and have just bought a 1967 230 SL.  One problem I was aware of pre-purchase, but would now like to fix is the Emergency Brake handle (Hand Brake).  The handle moves freely and does not ratchet and latch.  The cable is still attached to the brake, however, as I can clearly feel it engage.
Any help would be great since I do not have any shop manuals yet.

Thanx in advance

"Large"

[scoot]

quote:Originally posted by Largeowner

Hello Folks,
I am a new member, and have just bought a 1967 230 SL.  One problem I was aware of pre-purchase, but would now like to fix is the Emergency Brake handle (Hand Brake).  The handle moves freely and does not ratchet and latch.  The cable is still attached to the brake, however, as I can clearly feel it engage.

I recently went through this when I purchased a 250 SL.  In my case, the button didn't spring back -- it just remained depressed.  Try this:  if you pull up on the e-Brake and at the same time use your thumb (or other hand) to pull the button out -- does this cause the rachet to engage?  It did for me.  I was temporarily able to use the ebrake by pulling up on the lever and at the same time using my thumb to lift the button.  If that's your problem, you are probably missing your spring.  You can get brave and download MB's EPCnet software and find parts like the spring and anything else you might be missing, and then order them from the MB Classic Center.  To get to EPCnet software, try https://epc.startekinfo.com/epc/home.jsp -- that may be the link that you get after you download, but if that's the case I suspect it will point you to a place to get started.  You get the service free for a year and with a little practice you can look up most any part and see diagrams of how things go together.

[Richard Madison]

A little more info about the parking brake for after it's working: about half way down the brake handle is a small wheel that turns to adjust the tightness of the brake cable. This sets the number of clicks to engage the brake. The wheel has small holes in it..can use a drill bit or similar in one of the holes to help turn the wheel.

Richard M, NYC

[Largeowner]

Thanks for the reply.  The thumb button is fully out, and will spring back out when I press it in. It makes no difference whether I press the button, or leave it alone while pulling the lever....it will not latch.
I have found the cable adjustment wheel, but I feel the adjustment is correct or near-correct as the lever "throw" is about 6 or 7 inches before movement stops (brake applied).

[jeffc280sl]

Here is an image of the handle.  Hope this helps.

Download Attachment: emerhandle.jpg
20.76 KB

[Naj ✝︎]

Large,

The peg on #4 on Jeff's picture may have broken.

If you want to remove the handle to investigate, please note that bolt #18 in the picture has left hand thread!!

naj

[Largeowner]

The problem turned out to be a simple alignment issue. The teeth had moved to a position where the pin could not engage. Cleaned and lubed everything while I was in there.  Easy 1 hour fix!
My thanks to all who responded.  This is a great group of people dedicated to a terrific car!