I3 Can't release emergency brake

NearDenver · 03-10-2019, 11:50 AM

Just checking out my 2107 I3 at storage lot and noticed that the emergency brake stays engaged. The handle by drivers chair goes down but wheels still locked. Any ideas where to look?

milkman55 · 03-10-2019, 12:36 PM

It’s tricky sometimes. You have pull UP hard on the handle and then push DOWN. Just pushing down just stores the handle in a retracted position.

NearDenver · 03-10-2019, 12:52 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by milkman55

It’s tricky sometimes. You have pull UP hard on the handle and then push DOWN. Just pushing down just stores the handle in a retracted position.

Yea, I've noticed that. I have had that issue before and like you said, pull up hard fixes the issue.
I put my finger under the handle and I can tell the cable seems to be moving. Also, the brake light goes off (but that might just be connected to handle)

milkman55 · 03-10-2019, 01:33 PM

If the parking light is going off, what makes you think the brakes are still engaged? My experience is the light goes off when the actual brakes disengage and not because the handle moves.

NearDenver · 03-10-2019, 02:03 PM

I can feel the engine when I'm in drive or reverse. The RV rocks a bit. Kink of like you are stuck in a hole.

milkman55 · 03-10-2019, 03:14 PM

I would just apply the emergency brake with a good deal of force and then release it. It may take a few times to get it to fully release.

NearDenver · 03-10-2019, 05:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by milkman55

I would just apply the emergency brake with a good deal of force and then release it. It may take a few times to get it to fully release.

I went back to the storage lot and tried again. No matter how hard (or how many times) the brake doesn't disengage.

milkman55 · 03-10-2019, 05:23 PM

I did some research and what I found is you have to pull up as hard as you can and then press the button on the end of the parking lever and hold the button in the entire time you lower the handle. I read of people who stood over the handle and pulled as hard as they could with both hands to get it to release. I have not encountered that extreme, but I have had issues getting it to release.

If you are not aware of the Sprinter forum, here is a link discussing your issue.

https://sprinter-source.com/forum/sh...ad.php?t=69777

ferrisjc · 03-11-2019, 06:54 PM

Ditto to Milkman. If unfamiliar with MB Sprinter Chassis this really is a learning experience. Even after told from the dealer to pay special attention to this detail it still was a problem. First time out of RV park had to REALLY apply pressure upwards. First time isn't happening, just pull up with extreme force and push down. If not released then repeat. Once achieved won't be a problem again based on gained knowledge. If still a problem then you really do have something to take back to dealer.

NearDenver · 03-11-2019, 06:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ferrisjc

Ditto to Milkman. If unfamiliar with MB Sprinter Chassis this really is a learning experience. Even after told from the dealer to pay special attention to this detail it still was a problem. First time out of RV park had to REALLY apply pressure upwards. First time isn't happening, just pull up with extreme force and push down. If not released then repeat. Once achieved won't be a problem again based on gained knowledge. If still a problem then you really do have something to take back to dealer.

I've gone back to lot twice and pulled up like crazy. I don't think it's the handle. Problem is it looks like I have to have it towed as Mercedes in denver doesn't have a mobile "guy". Don't know how they can get it from storage lot. Pretty tight.

milkman55 · 03-11-2019, 08:10 PM

One last attempt. You have never mentioned pushing the button on the end of the brake lever after you pull it as hard as possible upwards, push in the button and hold it in as you lower the handle. Sorry of i am being too basic, but very concerned about a tow if your RV. I might call a mobile RV tech even on your nickel to avoid a tow.

Reverse_snowbird · 03-11-2019, 08:32 PM

AFTER YOU GET IT FIXED....

You might consider chocking the wheels and not using the emergency brake when in storage.

NearDenver · 03-11-2019, 08:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by milkman55

One last attempt. You have never mentioned pushing the button on the end of the brake lever after you pull it as hard as possible upwards, push in the button and hold it in as you lower the handle. Sorry of i am being too basic, but very concerned about a tow if your RV. I might call a mobile RV tech even on your nickel to avoid a tow.

Well, it's not the handle getting stuck. I crawled under the RV while my wife engaged the brake. The cables under the RV worked fine. Now I hope it is the brakes and not transmission so something.

Bill Davis · 03-12-2019, 09:18 AM

Sounds like you have parked it for a long period of time with the parking brake on. If this is the case the brake shoes are probably stuck to the drums. If you have steel wheels you can whack them with a large hammer and that will sometimes break them loose. Also try backing up and pulling forward to get them released. I know this sounds crude but you need to shake them loose if your positive the cables are not hung up.

milkman55 · 03-12-2019, 10:35 AM

I know one thing I learned from this thread is don’t apply your emergency brake when storing for a long period. My storage is completely level, so applying the parking brake is overkill.

NearDenver · 03-12-2019, 11:00 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by milkman55

I know one thing I learned from this thread is don’t apply your emergency brake when storing for a long period. My storage is completely level, so applying the parking brake is overkill.

Yup. That's my new plan too.

moose074 · 03-12-2019, 09:08 PM

While stationed in ND and AK we were not allowed to engage e brakes in fear of them freezing shut . When they did freeze we hit with hammer. Hammers were good for stuck drums as well. Not sure if I would bang on Yours

NearDenver · 03-15-2019, 09:22 PM

Well, I finally called a tow truck to take the RV to the nearby Mercedes service. When he showed up, I explained what happened and he agreed it seemed to be the brakes locked up. He backed the tow truck up to the front of the RV and used the tow bar at the back to push on the front tires.
1 bump, nothing
2nd bump, nothing
3rd, POP
It wasn't crazy loud but you could hear the pop. After that everything seems fine.
Not going to use the brake when in storage again.

milkman55 · 03-15-2019, 09:28 PM

Congrats! Buy that guy a beer because he saved you a bundle at the MB dealer.

This thread has been very helpful, thanks.

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