Is there an easy way to replace parking brake handle button?

[CarlOrton]

I understand that the button is not available separately, so one must purchase the entire parking brake assy from Porsche or one of the dismantlers that are out there.

 

So...assuming I can find a used parking brake handle, is there anyway to remove the button assy from the new handle and insert it into the old handle still installed in the vehicle?  Or is the complete handle assy replacement the only way to effect this repair?  I was just thinking that if I could do the easy fix then why not?

 

Vehicle is a 2001 996 C2.

 

Thanks!

[Engelkraut]

i had the same problem.  i couldn't find a way to replace just the button so i found a used brake handle on ebay for pretty cheap.  it wasn't all that hard to replace.

[CarlOrton]

Revisiting this topic; still haven't come up with a solution.  So, I was wondering:  does the button pull-out of the handle?  Looking inside my button-less handle, it does not seem to be broken off.  I wouldn't mind buying a handle (dismantler) and just pulling out the button, saving the rest for future needs.

 

So...DOES the button just pull out?

[mffarrell]

I have the same problem. How does the button stay in place?

[CarlOrton]

I'm ignorantly assuming it screws into the handle. Well, ONTO the inner rod that actually releases the catch.  Only surmising this because on another board a user posted a link to a firm in the UK that sells JUST the button.  Think the US conversion was $23 or so.  But then there was another $25 for postage to the US.  I mean, this thing in a padded envelope is probably around 2 oz in weight.  Would be nice if I had a UK friend to buy it and stick it in the post for me!

 

Anyway, the websites description says that it screwed into the handle.

[CarlOrton]

UPDATE:  Solution found.

 

A guy in my PCA chapter suggested an import dismantler in Austin, so I gave the guy a call.  He said he couldn't sell just the button, because he'd then basically ruin the value of any handle from which he took it.  He said he tried to unscrew the button from one he had, but he stopped because he thought he'd end up breaking it.

 

Then he mentioned that he *would* send me a really scuzzy handle he had for $20 which included shipping.  I agreed, and thought that even if I *couldn't* get just the button out, that $20 in education in the Porsche world would be cheap.

 

Well, then handle arrived, and it really was bad. The leather on it looked like it sat in the Mojave for 50 years.  Tried to unscrew the button to no avail.  Then the "duhhhh" moment struck and I tried pulling on it.  Slid right out. So now I finally have a button for my parking brake.  For those of you wondering, just keep calling around to dismantlers. You just might find a deal better than mine!