Handbrake makes loud "POP" noise

[xclusivecar]

If I am driving and I pull up gently on the handbrake an extremely loud "POP" or SNAPPING noise will be heard. As if something is breaking free . Pulling up the handbrake again will yield a much softer POP noise. I know nothing about the (probably) very simple emergency break system in these cars. Any ideas of what may be causing the "POP"?


2000S Manual

[redman12]

Ahmm. do you press the button when you pull them up? If not, that would easly break your handy dandy E-break.

[xclusivecar]

Originally Posted by redman12

Ahmm. do you press the button when you pull them up? If not, that would easly break your handy dandy E-break.

Yes...I do press in the button and when I SLOWLY pull up on the brake I always hear a loud "POP"...as if something is breaking free from. Sort of like when you wash your car and the first time you drive it the brakes have formed a slight rusted "bond" to your rotors and the car will have to "break" free form the rust.

The problem is that the "pop" is VERY LOUD and very CONSISTENT.

When I do park the car and I use the handbrake, the car does not slip. The brake seems to hold the car just fine. Of course I park in gear most of the time as a precaution.

I guess what I am looking for is for someone to quickly explain how this brake works and where I should look for potential hang-ups in the system. I have the Boxster manuals on CD, but have searched to no avail as to how this e-brake system actually works. I assume it is a very simple system...but before I crawl under this thing (again) I want to know what I am looking for rather than just taking wild guesses.

Thanks!

[kyle986driver]

do u push in the clutch when u pull it? Thats real important...

[xclusivecar]

Originally Posted by kyle986driver

do u push in the clutch when u pull it? Thats real important...

What does pushing in the clutch have to do with the handbrake? I've owned manual transmission cars for years and have never been told/had to push in the clutch before pulling up the brake.

[kyle986driver]

Originally Posted by xclusivecar

What does pushing in the clutch have to do with the handbrake? I've owned manual transmission cars for years and have never been told/had to push in the clutch before pulling up the brake.

if you pull the handbreak with the clutch engaged (and car moving at a speed) then you still have the full engines power working against the rear wheel brakes(the handbrake). I pull the HB all the time to make quick turns and with the clutch engaged i hear the loud POP and the car hardly slows down.

xclusivecar- what are you trying to do when you pull the handbrake? lock up the back tires or just curious as to what will happen?