Expensive Handbrake Woes :-(

[xc90driver2]

Hi all,

So I have spent almost €300 on parts to resolve my handbrake issues and am still no better off.

New disks and new shoes were fitted and yet it still fails to hold well.

My indy mechanic said the cables are stretched and the next step will be to fit new cables as it can't be adjusted any further.

The first question is, will this be expensive? The second question, is there a less extreme workaround?

It's a 2007 facelift model.

Greatly appreciate any advice!

Regards
Ger

[Thassos]

Hi, not that i know the XC90s handbrake setup, but if its same as the S60/V70 P2 of similar age, and you mention shoes then, its probably a very similar setup that isnt overly effective even on a good day..

Handbrake cables might be a factor, but one thing you could try is using the manual adjusters in place of the fixed 'bars' that are normally there, these are adjusted thru the holes that the wheel studs use and can give you an improvement if adjusted out carefully (i say carefully as if you over do the spread on the shoes youll get un intended friction on the shoes when the handbrake is off and resultingly rather warm wheels after some distance !) have used the adjusters on my S60 so hence the words of experience 😀

https://youtube/rG8ktBO4OYg

A nice video here, although it doesnt show you how to adjust them which can be a bit fiddly when the disc is in place and thru the wheel stud hole !

[XJSDriver]

yes, they may have stretched but there is a better way than having to replace the cables, have you fitted the brake adjuster kit?

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/VOLVO-XC9...-/231697345466

I did this plus had to remove the centre rear console to access the cable yoke which had detached (long story but fairly typical); I also found that one of the handbrake leavers inside the brake drum was seized - probably due to last owner never using the handbrake, put it all back together and adjusted using technique discussed many times in this forum, and now have fantastic handbrake - my drive is on a slope and works great now.

Just takes time and patience. You could try renewing the cables but using the adjusters is equally good and probably a longer term solution.

[Thassos]

https://youtu.be/rG8ktBO4OYg

this also shows the adjuster fited, and how the interference with the spring .. helps kindof !

https://youtu.be/-9bk9vt4-c0

[Clan]

Originally Posted by xc90driver2

Hi all,

So I have spent almost €300 on parts to resolve my handbrake issues and am still no better off.

New disks and new shoes were fitted and yet it still fails to hold well.

My indy mechanic said the cables are stretched and the next step will be to fit new cables as it can't be adjusted any further.

The first question is, will this be expensive? The second question, is there a less extreme workaround?

It's a 2007 facelift model.

Greatly appreciate any advice!

Regards
Ger

have you used all genuine volvo parts ?
How many clicks on the pedal right now ?

[S60D5-185]

I have fitted the adjusters that Thassos mentioned to my 07 Xc90 and they definitely make a difference however I feel it essential to have genuine Volvo shoes installed as they have a flat section at the top of the shoe that many aftermarket ones do not


It is essential that the handbrake is adjusted in order once these additional parts are installed ( under £15 ).LINK


First fully loosen the cable adjuster inside the car next to the passenger centre console.


Now , with the rear wheels off and the newly bought adjusters previously installed and brake disc refitted, adjust the handbrake shoes " adjuster" through a wheel bolt hole until there is SLIGHT resistance felt.


Back inside the car , press the handbrake lever for ONE CLICK


Now adjust the collar that you previously loosened inside the car to take all the slack up.


The operation of this collar does not seem logical at first glance but if you imagine that it is similar to a keyless chuck on a drill you will work out how it is done.

See the PDF on post 2 of this thread.


LINK

[Tannaton]

Originally Posted by Clan

have you used all genuine volvo parts ?
How many clicks on the pedal right now ?

+1 Genuine Volvo shoes at a must for a number of reasons. Some of the aftermarket ones are hopeless. They're only about £30 from those dealers that see on the ineternet....

[xc90driver2]

Originally Posted by Clan

have you used all genuine volvo parts ?
How many clicks on the pedal right now ?

Id estimate around about 7 clicks. Unless I go all the way down and put a bit of welly in the depression, it will not hold at all.

I understand that my indy used OEM parts.

[xc90driver2]

Many thanks to all who have replied.

So I'm in a position whereby I likely have new OEM handbrake shoes and disks fitted.

Mechanic says the cables are likely stretched.

Can anybody vouch if the handbrake adjuster kit would be worth a look, as recommended by XJSDriver above.

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/VOLVO-XC9...-/231697345466

[JRL]

Originally Posted by xc90driver2

Many thanks to all who have replied.

So I'm in a position whereby I likely have new OEM handbrake shoes and disks fitted.

Mechanic says the cables are likely stretched.

Can anybody vouch if the handbrake adjuster kit would be worth a look, as recommended by XJSDriver above.

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/VOLVO-XC9...-/231697345466

Yep, I got a set of those fitted to my S60 when I first bought it as there was no way in hell my mechanic could adjust the handbrake so as to hold the car on a slope never mind pass an MOT. Handbrake has worked fine since.