FAQ
TL;DR: On Mercedes B‑Class W245, there’s 1 adjuster on the rear beam near the left wheel; “Just remove the left wheel” for clear access and set tension at the junction to cure long handbrake travel. [Elektroda, stachumuszel, post #17294435]
Why it matters: This helps W245 owners and techs quickly fix long, loose handbrake travel by going straight to the correct adjustment point.
Quick Facts
- Adjuster location: rear axle beam, closer to the left wheel; remove 1 left rear wheel for direct access on a lift. [Elektroda, stachumuszel, post #17294435]
- Cabin lever adjustment: not present on W245; do not look for an in‑cabin nut. [Elektroda, stachumuszel, post #17266859]
- Cable architecture: 2 rear cables converge at an equalizer/front link; that junction is the adjust point. [Elektroda, ociz, post #17266870]
- Platform note: Mercedes W203 uses an access lid under the rear seat for parking‑brake adjustment, unlike W245. [Elektroda, ociz, post #17266976]
- Underbody covers: expect a cleaner work area once shields are off; wheel‑well access helps keep debris down. [Elektroda, ociz, post #17266909]
Where do the parking brake cables converge on a Mercedes B‑Class W245?
At the rear axle beam near the left wheel. The equalizer/adjuster sits there. Remove the left rear wheel for straightforward access. This is the confirmed adjustment point. [Elektroda, stachumuszel, post #17294435]
Is there an adjustment at the handbrake lever on W245?
No. W245 lacks a lever-side adjustment. Do not pull apart the console; it won’t help cable tension. [Elektroda, stachumuszel, post #17266859]
How do I adjust the W245 parking brake cables?
Do the cable adjustment at the rear-beam junction from the left wheel well.
- Safely lift the car and remove the left rear wheel.
- Locate the cable junction adjuster on the rear axle beam.
- Make small adjustments, then check lever travel and rear wheel hold. [Elektroda, stachumuszel, post #17294435]
Do I need to remove underbody covers to reach the adjuster?
Access through the left wheel well is sufficient. Removing that wheel on a lift gives very good access to the adjuster. You can work without dropping large underbody shields. [Elektroda, stachumuszel, post #17294435]
Where exactly do the right and left cables join?
They meet at the equalizer, also called the front link. “The adjustment is where the right and left wheels meet.” That junction carries the adjuster hardware. [Elektroda, ociz, post #17266870]
Is there an interior access panel for this on any Mercedes?
Yes, but not on W245. On W203, the adjustment is under a floor lid beneath the rear seat. [Elektroda, ociz, post #17266976]
What basic tools do I need for the job?
Use a lift or jack stands, a wheel wrench, and standard spanners for the adjuster. Removing the left rear wheel is the key access step. [Elektroda, stachumuszel, post #17294435]
Someone said the adjuster isn’t on the rear beam—is that true?
No. The confirmed location is the rear beam near the left wheel, accessible after removing the left wheel. Follow that guidance when adjusting. [Elektroda, stachumuszel, post #17294435]
How can I identify the correct adjuster assembly?
Find the equalizer where 2 rear cables converge into 1 front link. That 2‑into‑1 junction is the adjust point. [Elektroda, ociz, post #17266870]
Can I do this without tearing apart the cabin?
Yes. W245 has no lever-side adjuster, so interior disassembly is unnecessary. Work from the left rear wheel well instead. [Elektroda, stachumuszel, post #17266859]
Is the job quick to perform once located?
Yes. With the car on a lift and the left wheel off, access is straightforward—“Simple and pleasant adjustment.” [Elektroda, stachumuszel, post #17294435]
Will underbody covers make the area messy or clean to work on?
Underbody covers help keep the underside clean. Expect a cleaner space around the adjuster once shields are off. [Elektroda, ociz, post #17266909]
