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MERCEDES-BENZ SLK
Parking brake bother
►The parking brake on this 2011 Mercedes SLK 2.1 CDi was feeling a little sticky, and releasing the handbrake left the cable feeling a little slack. The concern at first was that if the rear cables were sticking, or any part of the handbrake mechanism was sticking, then the rear brakes may be making contact allowing them to heat up and wear prematurely, as well as causing a drag on the motor that would cause the fuel consumption to rise.
Inspecting the handbrake mechanism below the rear seat I was relieved to see that this was the problem area. The job time to replace the cable on this vehicle is 4.1 hours, and this is not a fun job.
Stripping down and lubricating the quadrant between the front and rear cables was all that was needed to get things moving smoothly again, and I was pleased to be able to confirm that the cables were still in good shape and gliding smoothly in operation.
Once all back together the rear handbrake shoes were adjusted up before making the final adjustment to the cable, leaving the SLK with a much-improved handbrake.
VOLKSWAGEN GOLF
Driveshaft judder
Not feeling exactly as it should was the description given to me by the owner of this 2004 VW Golf VR6. I gave the motor a drive to try
