Seems like it should be relatively simple to remove the parking brake cover, right? I was stymied in my attempt last night. I'll blame it on lousy lighting.

This is in a 90, 245. My end goal is to access the two nuts for balancing the parking brake cables. Presumably this is best done with the console removed. I'm open to better ideas though. The Bentley manual starts with the console removed, and I was unable to find any further guidance for accessing the parking lever innards.

What I've done is remove the back seat ashtray and the plastic insert, to gain visibility inside the console. After removing the two torx screws accessible on the sides, towards the back of the console, I was able to shift the console forward enough to get over a metal tongue that sticks out through the slot in the forward end of the console. I figured at that point, it would just lift up, but that does not seem to be the case. I'm also afraid to go around yanking quite a bit on 20 year old plastic.

In the poor light last night, I couldn't tell if the seat belt mounting bolt runs through the console, I wouldn't expect it, but I can't see any other reaon why it wouldn't come loose. I didn't have the cojones to mess with seat belt anchoring point. Any thoughts?

Thanks,
Link

The seat belt mounting bolts don't run through the console. You have the right procedure remove the 2 torx screws and lift then push forward over the tongue. What's holding it back is most likely the wire going to the night light lense. I usually remove the small bin and push the lense out from the inside. Be carfull has the lense breaks easily. You also need to pull the bulb out of the seatbelt indicator light and disconnect the seat heater switches.

you are correct, the seatbelt buckle mount bolt through the console. in my experience the console likes to crack on top between the hand brake handle and the coin tray.

IIRC, there's just some fasteners hiding behind the seat belt attachments. Your fear of pulling on 20 year old plastic is well founded: I'd strongly urge you to pull one seat or both. It's not easy to get that out without cracking it.

-Ryan
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Athens, Ohio
1987 245 DL 324k, Dog-mobile, E-codes
1990 245 DL 137k M47, E-codes, GT Sways/Braces, Dracos, A-cam
1990 744GLE 189K 16-valve project
1991 745 GL 304k, Regina, 23/21mm Turbo Sway Bars