Cold but still life goes on and what needs to be done needs to be done

[John A. Ross]

When folks complain abouut imp handrakes spare a thought.

This is typical state of Mercedes handbrake rear shoes (sit on inner of disc) and they seem to fail even at low miles due to the intermittent use by owners who prefer the transmission park position.

Afraid to say I am guilty as charged m'lord....

This is pretty benign, the ones on my E250 were worse and those had only done 30k since new, again I never really used the handbrake so can only guess the linings hate that and fall off, the bonding agent must be complete crap.

[Petowner]

Oh dear !!!!!
Never really thought about NOT putting handbrake on ,even though both our cars are automatic
Bob

[John A. Ross]

Bob

Yes both Mercs here are automatics and I just put it to park and leave it. They really dont like it apprantly. Its only one foot presse to puut brake on and pull on switch on dash to release but I dont see the point when they are laid up.

The E250 not moved since last Nov.

Will see what deal is tomorow with bits to see if it gets parking brake shoes or parking brake shoes, new discs and pads but I hate spending money on Mabel

[PMCG]

I've been telling John for yonks to use the parking brake. ;)

Those shoes look pants though, I'm guessing cheap tat similar to the pads I removed from another car a bit back.

[John A. Ross]

Miles left in those Pat, wot you on about

[PMCG]

Miles left in those Pat, wot you on about

There is loads left, they have just fell apart though. :)

[Uncle Henry]

So, reading between the lines here, you people are among those who sit at junctions/traffic lights/level crossings with their foot on the brake, usually blinding the poor unfortunate sitting behind, because you can't be arsed to put the hand brake on (laughingly renamed Parking Brake) ? Shame on you ! Laziness, pure bone idleness. And whats more inconsiderate. The only time you shouldn't put it on is within the garage or hardstanding when it's likely that you won't be using the car for a while (preventing it from locking on). Terrible standards. I'm deeply shocked !

Andy G

[John A. Ross]

Andy, unless its the imp or the van everything else I have is automatic so no brakes needed at junction

I hardly ever use the parking brake, or as it seems referred to as emergency brake as the automatic all have park positions to lock the gearbox up.

Could probably make a good debate on what "it" should be called now.

Imp defo hand brake
Mercs, well actually it is activated by opedal where the clutch is, cant call it foot brake, always called it parking brake which again could be argued it is not for parking thats what park on the transmission is fior !

Confused we should be as other moderns it is now automatic when car goes still, no user needed, others it is a button on the console, auto release when drive away.

Then throw this emergency brake term in and just finding parts for the damn thing was a pain.

Good debate for next Apex Andy, what do you call the "hand" brake

[John A. Ross]

Oh, strike that, Helens Skoda has a hand brake as we know it, but I dont get to drive that often

[Uncle Henry]

I was asked to move a Vito van once, when working in Jersey. Confused ? You bet ! Couldn't find the bloody hand brake anywhere ?! Progress ? Not in my book

Andy G.

[PMCG]

The Auto Mercs. have a hold function that can be used when stopped in traffic.
Only trouble is though when in "hold" mode the brakelights are activated.

I'm with Andy Uncle Henry on this, very annoying so I like to use the ahem "parking brake" when possible.
Not half as annoying though as the idiots that park up for extended periods with their headlights on.
[If parking/stopping = >30seconds switch lights to sidelights only.] :)
Should be legal to go up and smash their headlights in my opinion.

[Uncle Henry]

Only trouble is though when in "hold" mode the brakelights are activated.

Stupid. Just as stupid as DRLs that only illuminate at the front. If you are going to treat people like kids then you need to cover all bases. How many times do I see Mr or Mrs Moron driving their silver "van-with-windows" in the fog/rain etc with just DRLs on ? Absolutely NO rear lights whatsoever.

Andy G

[PMCG]

Only trouble is though when in "hold" mode the brakelights are activated.

Stupid. Just as stupid as DRLs that only illuminate at the front. If you are going to treat people like kids then you need to cover all bases. How many times do I see Mr or Mrs Moron driving their silver "van-with-windows" in the fog/rain etc with just DRLs on ? Absolutely NO rear lights whatsoever.

Very true, there are a lot of silly things on some cars these days.

I hate those stupid single fog light that come on as a turning light when someone is turning on a some moderns, just stupid.
My Merc. has headlights that point int the direction I'm turning the wheel, now this is clever.

[Uncle Henry]

Clever, but old tech. Shitroen had that on some 1960/70s DS models.

UH

[John A. Ross]

Andy, were the DS models those wedge looking ones with the air suspension ? I think Citreon kept that suspension for a long time.