D5 200hp exec...... you guys are in for a treat.

[CherokeeDriver]

Hello,

Picked up our XC90 200hp on 18th December - the day the snow came. From the outset we had the "noise" from the front wheels. Most audible when slowing to about 10mph.

I thought it was a sticky brake front right, but there wasn't the associated smell. Then thought it's a dry final drive bearing.

In the true spirt of not being bothered to take the car back I raced it down the M3 and back up again at high speed, and the noise has dissappeared. I now suspect the noise came from the tread on the tyres breaking in.

Foot brake is also very stiff and noisy. I suspect it's a design feature, and as I've got the automatic box I'm not that bothered; simply won't use the brake.

Apart from that it's an OK car - I came from an E39 530i Touring so I'm underwhelmed with the performance and handling whilst I adjust my driving style.

[tahirs]

Ours didn't sound like any noise a tyre would make, but at about 300 miles seems to have disappeared, just before it got to the dealer for a checkup!

[The Painter]

Originally Posted by CherokeeDriver

Hello,

Picked up our XC90 200hp on 18th December - the day the snow came. From the outset we had the "noise" from the front wheels. Most audible when slowing to about 10mph.

I thought it was a sticky brake front right, but there wasn't the associated smell. Then thought it's a dry final drive bearing.

In the true spirt of not being bothered to take the car back I raced it down the M3 and back up again at high speed, and the noise has dissappeared. I now suspect the noise came from the tread on the tyres breaking in.

Foot brake is also very stiff and noisy. I suspect it's a design feature, and as I've got the automatic box I'm not that bothered; simply won't use the brake.

Apart from that it's an OK car - I came from an E39 530i Touring so I'm underwhelmed with the performance and handling whilst I adjust my driving style.

You really should use the parking brake, it`s not good practice to leave an automatic gearbox in Park without the assistance of the parking brake, especially if you are on any king of hill, it can cause mechanical stress.

[Rockhopper]

Originally Posted by CherokeeDriver

... and as I've got the automatic box I'm not that bothered; simply won't use the brake..

Ooops.... not a good idea. Use it or lose it.

[tahirs]

Really? I've never used the handbrake on an auto. Not had one (till now) for ages but I managed to clock up 173000 incident free miles in a Merc 300E

[Ron_XC90]

There are several posts with people reporting handbrake issues, a possible cause is if they don't get used (often). The problem then is to get the car through an MOT as the handbrake will not work properly.
My driveway is quite a steep incline, so always have the car in park with the handbrake on and so far have not had these issues

[Clan]

indeed , if you dont use the parking brake the surface of the drum gets very rusted and pitted and the Parking brake wont work when you need it .. Also leaving the car in P does NOT lock the wheels , both are still free to rotate in opposite directions due to the action of the differential gears . It just prevents the final drive crown wheel from rotating .. Obviously putting the parking brake on physicaly locks the two rear wheels to the chassis of the car ..

[owenfackrell]

Originally Posted by tahirs

Really? I've never used the handbrake on an auto. Not had one (till now) for ages but I managed to clock up 173000 incident free miles in a Merc 300E

If your other cars had a joint rear brake and handbrake then you wouldn't have had any problems as the act of normal braking would have kept the braking surfaces in good condition but the xc90 has a separate parking brake to the rear brake and this only gets used when you apply it hence it rusting up and then failing the Mot.

[262coupe]

Is there then an argument for occasionally (and obviously at very slow speeds ie 2-3 mph) applying the 'handbrake' very gently just to bring the car to a halt and keep the brake surface rust free?

[Clan]

Originally Posted by 262coupe

Is there then an argument for occasionally (and obviously at very slow speeds ie 2-3 mph) applying the 'handbrake' very gently just to bring the car to a halt and keep the brake surface rust free?

yes that's what i'd do if i had one , but applying it a few times a day as you normaly would a handbrake lever should keep it in good condition too . ( The other volvo models with this system and a handbrake lever dont rust up ) And always fit new handbrake shoes when you fit new rear discs/drums