The other day for some unknown reason I put the handbrake on while my wagon was still doing about 5kph and it made a big bang. It still works fine, stops the car rolling etc. but I've since experimented applying it gently if still moving slowly and each time I get this loud thud/bang coming from the back.

I don't normally put the handbrake on until it's stopped.

Doesn't seem normal. Any thoughts anyone?

Sounds like the handbrake working to me. Locking the rear wheels up.

It is normal, its especially bad on the wagons due to the "beam" axle that they have in the back.... we used to cruise around the MMAL tonsley plant in our old "hack" wagon, just lightly lifting the handbrake leverto make the noise, used to scare/piss other off just nicely lol... Ahh they were the good ol days :)

The other day for some unknown reason I put the handbrake on while my wagon was still doing about 5kph and it made a big bang. It still works fine, stops the car rolling etc. but I've since experimented applying it gently if still moving slowly and each time I get this loud thud/bang coming from the back.

I don't normally put the handbrake on until it's stopped.

Doesn't seem normal. Any thoughts anyone?


My TW wagon's the same. Reported it whilst under warranty and they said it was normal. I don't entirely believe them but I'm not prepared stuff around and dismantle it to find out. Mine seems like it's only the LHS that does it. I do have a theory that maybe the mounting pins may be broken allowing the shoes to move but it's a theory only.
I don't apply it anymore until stopped. I first got a clue with the handbrake when I reversed and heard a clunk even though the brake was released like the shoes had stuck.
Anyway my handbrake holds fine so I don't worry but it does not sound normal to me.

The shoes are self energising which means as soon as there is some friction on one shoe the other is slammed into the drum. Just to be safe though pull the rotors off and have a look for problems.

no that's not it.

Thank you TW2005, I agree. Like you I'm now careful to not apply the handbrake until the car is stopped.

I'll stop losing sleep over this, thank you everyone.

Its 100% normal in the 3rd Gens, yes they all do it. Wagons are worse... first time i did it, thought rear axle fell off.
I roll my cars around with engine off a lot using handbrake to stop... 3rd gens klunk a heap louder than earlier models.

Why would you put your handbrake on while driving anyway? The easiest solution to your problem is use the normal foot brake to stop your car when its moving.. :thumbsup:

Why would you put your handbrake on while driving anyway? The easiest solution to your problem is use the normal foot brake to stop your car when its moving.. :thumbsup:

lol the solution is so obvious sometimes isn't it ?

Totally Normal mate. All my wagons have always done this.
Just shows you how well the handbrake works.

Why would you put your handbrake on while driving anyway? The easiest solution to your problem is use the normal foot brake to stop your car when its moving.. :thumbsup:

Used to be called handbrake turns when I was a boy, was the ultimate defensive driving solution to a head-on with a semi-trailer. Never needed to use it yet!

Every car does it. Some do it when reversing, some like the magnas do it while going forward. As MadMax said. It is the shoes that are biting.

Mine doesn't do that but my dads did once when I was being a smartass on his front lawn....scared the shit out of me! lol