Noise resonating through Handbrake lever!

[glenhendry]

I am getting an unpleasant whining noise being transmitted through the handbrake handle - but only when it is down/off! The noise is quite noticeable at highway speeds, and interestingly if I lift the handle up 2mm's or more, the noise completely stops.

The noise sounds just like a shot throw-out bearing off the clutch in my 3 speed M20 holden gbox.

Anyone care to guess what the most likely suspect for generating the noise is?

[RR P38]

How many clicks are you getting before the H/brake is fully on?
If its more than 6-7, possible you have too much free play in the brake shoes.
Try nipping the handbrake up a tad.
I think by the manual the brake should be on at 4 clicks?

lets try this before going down the bearing route:(

[glenhendry]

I adjusted the handbrake with the 17mm socket and it is now "on" after ~3 clicks. The noise remains :o

[RR P38]

What milage have you got?
It sounds like it could be a similar issue to the discovery (TD5) problem excess vibration causing wear on the brake shoes/springs etc under the brake drum.

You could drop the rear prop shaft of and pull the drum and take a look.

[glenhendry]

I am at 255kkm.

[RR P38]

Im at 330k, no noises yet.
Possibly if your RR has done a lot of rough rds at speed vibration has worn the handbrake internals as i have said b4.
Universal joint good?