Rear squeaking noise related to parking brake?

[ulrichd]

My 09 128 has developed an annoying squeaking noise over the last few months at the rear of the car. Sounds exactly like a dog's chew toy and happens when I hit bigger road bumps and sometimes when I drop my butt into the seat. I can also make it happen when I bounce the back of the car by standing in the trunk. If I do the same when I release the parking brake the noise disappears.


Have not found any answers online. Any ideas?

[MightyMouseTech]

If it happens while driving, it is your rear ball joints.

[gary_william]

Had the same issue, stationary. Parking brake.

[mfindigital]

Same here, only happens when stationary with the hand brake on. Get the squeek about 50% of the time when I sit in the drivers seat, and I'm not a heavy guy.

[tracer bullet]

Originally Posted by mfindigital

Same here, only happens when stationary with the hand brake on. Get the squeek about 50% of the time when I sit in the drivers seat, and I'm not a heavy guy.

Perfectly describes what I hear and when as well. Haven't needed to replace the rear brakes yet and so I haven't looked into it.

[deepsix]

I also had a squeaky parking brake on my 2011 128i that would make noise after I set it and got out of the car. The brake also needed some adjustment as it was extending into the armrest to get it to catch.

I solved both issues by first adjusting the parking brake using this video:

I adjusted mine 4 clicks from fully braked to spinning freely.

When I had the lug nut off I sprayed a bunch of penetrating oil inside the parking brake drum where the adjustment screw is. Then took it for a drive and pulled up a bit on the parking brake while moving to ensure good contact on the braking surfaces.

So far no noise any more and only 4 clicks on the handle to get it to hold.