My 1998 C200'S Parking Brake has stopped locking when engaged (it works whilst the pedal is depressed, but the pedal won't stay depressed). The release has always been clunky as if the brake was snapping out of engagement, rather than releasing gently. Is this normal or could it be a symptom of why the brake no longer remains engaged?
It's vital I get the root cause sorted because I live on a particularly steep hill and parking in gear doesn't stop the car lurching downhill.

 

There was a bulletin put out for many MBs of this age in regard to a poor design of the brake lever release system. They issued an updated/redesigned part. I don't believe it was an official recall, so you are probably stuck paying for it yourself.

 

my 1998 c180's parking brake release lever makes a hell of a "clunk" when releasing the brake. apparently this is normal. it's a bit loud, mind you....so i've taken to depressing the pedal with my foot while i pull the lever, and then releasing the pedal slowly while holding the lever in the release position - if that makes sense.

anyway...i don't think that's the reason your parking brake isn't working.....but i honestly couldn't say what is

 

Hi,
My 1998 C180 Elegance makes the same clunk when I release the parking brake; the only thing more annoying is keep reaching for the handbrake lever, up top, behind the transmission shift - when I was still getting used to it, lol; One thing that still bugs me though (Call me obsessive compulsive if you like, lol) is that I can not tell, by looking, whether I have applied the parking brake - or not - without opening the drivers door & shoving my head under the dash (look in the footwell, at the pedal), or jump back in & put my foot on the pedal to find out; a particular problem, if you suffer from short-term memory & concentration problems perhaps? (Don't worry, I'm sure it's temporary; caused by stress, my doctor reckons, lol).
I thinkthe clunky releaseis quite normal, as I have no problem with the parking brake remaining engaged.
Hope this re-assures you.
I too, however, do not know for sure what the problem there could be; but common sense would suggest the ratchet mechanism on the pedal may be worn (Worn teeth?), causing the problem - try having it checked &/or replaced?
Hope this helps,
Thanks,
Steve.
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