Handbrake makes loud "POP" noise

[kyle986driver]

hmmm...ok, that sounds kind of strange, definatly sounds like some binding is occuring and i know the HB is very simple but i dont know the EXACT workings of it..any one else have any knowledge of the HB?

sorry i couldnt help, good luck!

[denverpete]

I'm a bit confused, but maybe this can help a bit.

It's not necessary to push the button when you raise the hand brake. It's not a safety button, it's a release button. The handbrake is nothing more than a ratchet (gear wheel and pahl). As you pull it up, the pahl clicks into teeth on the gear wheel. The button releases the pahl and allows the handbrake to go back down. So, as you pull up without using the button, you will hear clicking. If you use the button, you shouldn't hear any clicking. Either way, it doesn't affect how the brake operates.

I admit I don't really know much about the mechanicals of the Boxster hand brake, but I doubt they have really changed much, even for a Porsche. As such, they are typically a mechanical as opposed to hydraulic operation. This is for safety in case the hydraulics fail (hence it's often known as a safety brake). As the hand brake is raised, a wire (which splits into two wires) is pulled and manually activates the rear brakes. The typical adjustment is done by hand by tightening or loosening the wire mechanism (usually under the car where the wire splits from one into two wires).

[insite]

Originally Posted by denverpete

It's not necessary to push the button when you raise the hand brake. It's not a safety button, it's a release button. The handbrake is nothing more than a ratchet (gear wheel and pahl). As you pull it up, the pahl clicks into teeth on the gear wheel. The button releases the pahl and allows the handbrake to go back down. So, as you pull up without using the button, you will hear clicking. If you use the button, you shouldn't hear any clicking. Either way, it doesn't affect how the brake operates.

agreed. you do NOT need to press the button when engaging the e-brake; this will NOT hurt your car (nor will pullint the e-brake without pressing the clutch). as for the 'popping' sound described by xclusivecar, i have heard this as well. there is a piece in the e-brake system that rotates in order to spread the brake shoes. it is probably binding to the brake shoes a bit.

removing the rear rotors and cleaning / lubricating the e-brake system will probably solve the problem. after the brake rotors are back on, adjust the shoes. if you still hear the popping, replace the e-brake springs; they may be wearing out.

[BobMarley1]

the car has to be moving, pull up on your rear brake, it pops.

Doesn't bother me too much.

[Tuner]

I thought it had something to do with the ABS?

The e-brake is really weak on these cars when in motion. In my old car I could lock up the back wheels for drifting (FWD) at speed with no problem.