Q1: I am ab ut to replace a broken parking brake(short/right rear) cable and will replace handbrake shoes, rear brake pads, retainer spring and caliper pins while I have everything apart. Does anyone have any recommendations before I get started(i.e.- brake pad types, lubricants, etc.)? What are the torque specs. for the caliper bolts(rear) which secure caliper to disc? I would appreciate any tips. I will be ordering parts Wednesday, install over weekend. Thanks.

Q2: I have inspected bushings in front end and found that the only ones that are cracked and damaged are the ones for the stabilizer bar. Can these be replaced w/o a press? Is this a difficult process? Thanks Again for any insight people can provide me.

1989 740GL, 180K miles

Although I only replaced the cable, the job went well on our "88 745 GLE.

The only problem that I had was popping the nylon piece out of the emergency brake adjuster. Once I got that out, the cable could almost be adjusted with my fingers. When I tried to pop the adjuster, it moved, and my efforts were useless. I used a long socket to brace a wrench around the collar, then I popped it apart easilly.

I took the main cable off the emergency brake handle and used the ensuing slack to make the job easier under the car.

I hope the torque is not too important, I could not get a torque or ratchet wrench near the caloper bolts - you need some locktite if you do not get new bolts.

I thought that I would have trouble with the shoe brakes because the axle flange appears to be in the way, everything at the rear wheels came apart and went together easilly.

How is the cable hinge on your rear axle? I have a drawing and directions on how I fashioned a replacement out of a repair hinge.
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2 8s & 2 7s 600,000 miles total

RE: strut rod bushings: Outer (cone shaped) bushings do not require pressing. Inner (where the strut rod attaches to the frame) does require pressing.
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'92 Mercedes 190E (my daily driver), '93 Volvo Turbo Wagon (a family car w/flair), '53 Willys-Overland Pickup (my snow-plow truck/conversation piece)