Parking Brake

NOTE: Parking brake adjustment is necessary if parking brake can be moved 3-10 notches, depending on model, with no adequate braking effect obtained. DO NOT alter adjusting screw on parking brake intermediate lever. Screw is for balancing cable lengths only.

If parking brake lever can be pulled more than 3 notches (SLK230), or pushed 10 notches (C230, C280, CLK280, CL500, E300D, E320, E420, E430, S320, S420, S500, SL320 & SL500), without adequate braking effect. Raise and support vehicle. Loosen parking brake cable adjust screw. Remove one wheel lug bolt at each rear wheel. If vehicle is equipped with alloy wheels, remove rear wheels. Rotate wheel until lug bolt hole is positioned over parking brake adjuster (approximately 45 degrees upward toward rear). See Fig 1 or Fig 2.

Fig 1: Identifying Parking Brake Cable Adjust Screw
Courtesy of MERCEDES-BENZ OF NORTH AMERICA.

Fig 2: Adjusting Parking Brake Mechanism
Courtesy of MERCEDES-BENZ OF NORTH AMERICA.
Use a flat-blade screwdriver inserted through lug bolt hole to turn star wheel adjuster until rear wheel will not rotate. Back off adjuster equally between left and right sides, 5-6 teeth (SL320 & SLK230), 12-15 teeth (C230, C280, CLK320, E300D, E320, E420 & E430) until wheel will rotate without drag.
Tighten parking brake cable adjust screw until brake cables no longer sag. Operate parking brake lever several times. Readjust as necessary.