Hi everyone, I have a small question. Whenever I brake to park, something in the rear brakes make a poping noise, this may also happen if I slow down by pressing the brakes while driving. It may best be described as the sound you may hear when you run over a nail or small rock, it also sounds like a ballon popping. This usually happens when I back up into any particular parking spot. any ideas?

Check tire balance, and have your rear brakes checked.

Is it 4 wheel disk brakes?
If it is, this sounds like the brake calipier is frozen on the mount pins and not sliding anymore. When you apply the brakes the brake pressure forces it to move and makes a popping noise.

If its a rear drum the auto adjuster for the drum pad is frozen and not moving. this is adjusted everytime you apply the brakes while backing up. The adjuster is a threaded turn buckle type rod that has a small wheel with gear type teeth on it. THe noise is the actuating lever jumping over the teeth cause it cant turn.

just pull it apart and take a look

Thanks
Could this be checked later?

Could this condition affect my braking? The reason I ask is that I don't have the time yet to get it looked at by a mechanic. I know we are talking about the braking system here but is the popping noise serious?