Just a few things... Brakes first.

[yragyrag90]

Hi, ok, over the last few weeks I've noticed a funny thing going on with my brakes. Under pressure it feels 'lumpy' or 'wobbily'? Like the pedal bobs up and down. Also there is a (very slight) pull to the right only under harsh braking...
But today, I noticed a noise too. It sounded like when you appliy the brakes on a pedal bike. Like a metally rubbing noise...
Can't you tell I'm a born mechanical whizz?
Anyone got the faintest clue what I'm going on about?
And more importantly, how do I make it stop for as few pennies as possible?




Also.
I'm wondering if there is anything I should look at while the weather is nice... Any jobs that would be pretty easy (for a numty like me)

I've often read on forums, that there can be a common problem with something called the fuel relay? Am I right?
Could someone explain EVERYTHING to me? Like, where is it? What's the problem? How much to fix? That kind of thing...

I've never had a problem with mine, in fact I owned a brand new Seat before getting 240's and it was far more of a problem.
Are there any 'common faults'?
If I saw a scrapped Volvo, what would be worth while getting?

Thanks... a lot.

[Skunkola]

Sounds like your pads are gone and it's metal on metal. Your discs will be shot so it's time for new pads an discs I reckon. I've used these lot before and found them very good. http://nordicpartsdirect.co.uk/volvo/default.asp?

As for fitting them yourself, research thoroughly! I've never done it on my own as it's a very important thing to get right so a wise helper is always good. If you're worried about it just get a quote from a reputable local garage and pay for the piece of mind. Otherwise, give it a go, I'm sure someone braver than I will point you in the right direction.

Good luck!

Edit: Also it's a good idea to use the search bar and have a browse of previous threads, there's a lifetime of info on here already.

[MazakMan]

Originally Posted by yragyrag90

Hi, ok, over the last few weeks I've noticed a funny thing going on with my brakes. Under pressure it feels 'lumpy' or 'wobbily'? Like the pedal bobs up and down. Also there is a (very slight) pull to the right only under harsh braking...
But today, I noticed a noise too. It sounded like when you appliy the brakes on a pedal bike. Like a metally rubbing noise...
Can't you tell I'm a born mechanical whizz?
Anyone got the faintest clue what I'm going on about?
And more importantly, how do I make it stop for as few pennies as possible?

Like Skunkola said, discs and pads. Since the brakes are the most important system on the car unless you are 100% sure about it get someone else to do it, be it a garage or a mate who's handy with the spanners.

Originally Posted by yragyrag90

Also.
I'm wondering if there is anything I should look at while the weather is nice... Any jobs that would be pretty easy (for a numty like me)

Oil change?
Coolant change?
Spark plugs?
etc.

All the basic service stuff is easy to do.

Originally Posted by yragyrag90

I've often read on forums, that there can be a common problem with something called the fuel relay? Am I right?
Could someone explain EVERYTHING to me? Like, where is it? What's the problem? How much to fix? That kind of thing...

The fuel pump relay turns the fuel pumps on, but only when the engine is running, sometimes the relay fails so the fuel pumps don't come on and it thoroughly spoils your day.

It lives in the bowels of the dashboard above the passenger side footwell, it's a little green or white plastic box clipped to a metal bracket.

Just buy a spare (£10ish) and keep it in the glove box.

Isaac

[yragyrag90]

Just to also say thanks to minesa240x3 who sent me a great message detailing the whole job, with plenty of info.
Thanks very much... I'll be getting on with that then.

[Paul240480]

Good luck! I think you'll find pads and discs not too bad a job

I posted & link to a video tutorial on front brakes & pads. If I can find it again, I'll link it to this thread.