Sup peoples. So after I am done washing my car either right after I release the E-brake or after its been parked and I release the E-brake I hear like a snap or a bang coming from the rear of the car. I think its e-brake related only because I only hear it when I release the e-brake. I've looked under the car on the rear brakes and cant see anything damaged or cracked or anything like that. I am having the all the tie rods replaced pretty soon, but dont think that that is the issue. Any ideas of what it could be? Major or minor? I am driving home for the Turkey day holiday and kinda freaked about driving it for more than 400 miles (round trip) with it. So far since Ive washed my car (Sunday) the snap has not come back, but has caught my senses to be careful on it.

Thanks!!!

 

I would pull the rear tires off and check things out, just because you never know.

 

Yeah.....try taking the wheels off, cleaning off the e-brake mechanism, and lubricating it with WD-40 or white lithium grease. It sounds like the mechanism might be getting hung up as you release it, then it lets go causing the bang.

ps - make sure not to get the lithium grease on the pads or rotors.....you probably wont be stopping much if you do

 

i've had this problem with the E-brake on my old 89 SE. the emergency brake ends up locking up the caliper on the rotor. in the winter months back in New York it was the worst, the caliper would not fully release the rotor, and while driving it was still partially engaged, the left side(driver) was the problem most of the time.

once in awhile, hand check your wheel to see if theres a difference in temp, if you cant rest your hand on the rim after driving a bit, you have cable/caliper problems. the cable mechanism doesnt fully disengage after some time. spray some kind of lube onto the spring area, but dont get it on your rotors.

 

ill give that a shot before i head down home! Thanks for the tip...

 

Its also possible that it just the pads breaking free from the rotor. You mentioned that it only happens after you wash your car or after its been parked for a while. When it sits for a bit, the rotors start to oxidize and can form a small bond with the pads. Its possible that when you release the e-brake, the pads may just be breaking free.

But I would still lube the e-brake mechanism and see if it helps.

 

this is very true, especially if you park on an elevated surface

 

I had almost the same issue and i did put some WD40 and it was working perfect after. Just do it on both side.

 

Same problem. Wd-40 fixed it right up.