XC70 (07 old model) Handbrake Adjustment

[Stevepvolvo]

Has anyone adjusted the handbrake on an XC70 2007 (not latest model) D5? It has suddenly gone almost vertical before engaging and I wondered if this is a specialist job or a "competent" diyer? Last serviced in October 2010 at Volvo and only done 4K since then. Many thanks in advance.

[60041]

Adjustment is quick and easy, BUT it sounds as if you have the dreaded handbrake coming apart syndrome as discussed at length on these pages.
It is vitally important that you check that the linings are still attached to the shoes before you attempt to drive the car, if you don't and they have come adrift, the resulting damage can cost hundreds of pounds to fix.
Look for "handbrake disaster" threads on this forum.

[Stevepvolvo]

60041, I have just read the threads you mention and I don't appear to have any of the noises mentioned. The excess play actually started whilst leaving for Austria last week and I have done 1500 miles since then so hopefully it is just stretched cable? Not a problem taking it to Volvo if you recommend it but would be interested to see if I could do the adjustment myself first if you can advise how? Car has only covered 32K so far. Your advice is much appreciated. Regards

[60041]

Adjustment is done via a 10mm nut that sits behind the leather gaiter at the bottom of the handbrake lever. You carefully prise the plastic surround up and then fold the gaiter back on itself, and the adjuster is revealed beneath; it is best to adjust it just a few clicks at a time until the lever feels right, then jack up a back wheel and check that it still turns freely, if there is any sign of the brake rubbing, then back the adjuster off a little; if the brake rubs and gets hot then it could cause the linings to break off. Once you are happy, let the car down and have a self congratulory cup of tea. The whole job should only take 10 minutes.

[lamlash]

I wouldn't even attempt to adjust the handbrake until you've had a look inside the drums to see what's going on.

[S60D5-185]

Originally Posted by lamlash

I wouldn't even attempt to adjust the handbrake until you've had a look inside the drums to see what's going on.

Couldn't agree more bearing in mind the KNOWN problems.

Potentially £400-£600 if you are wrong and it goes T*TS UP!

Braver man than me. ( new handbrake shoes fitted last month )

Darryl

[BobS]

Hi,


Got to agree with the posts above.

It has suddenly gone almost vertical before engaging

That would worry me. Any sudden change in position even over 1500mls needs checking out.

I had already changed my shoes a couple of years back and recently had a rear calliper sticking. Even although I was 99% sure it was the calliper I still checked the shoes. There are enough pictures on posts of the damage caused and the cost of repair.

Bob

[Chesterman]

Steve,
Handbrake shoes do not wear, (unless there is somthing wrong or the driver favours handbrake turns,) therefore such a dramatic change is an indicator of a fault. You need to check it or get somone else in whom you have complete confidence (!) to check it for you.

[Stevepvolvo]

Many thanks everyone for your comments.
I did reflect on the problem last night and agree that the sudden change in the handbrake play worries me. I have booked it in this morning to my Volvo dealer.
Unfortunately the earliest they can do is the 14th March with a courtesy car.
I asked them if the car was safe to use and their technical expert advised that the damage is likely to have been done (??) so use park rather than the handbrake.
I have in the past happily stripped down engine heads, and replaced CV joints and brake pads etc. etc. but this was some time ago. (ie before children when I had time :-) )
I noticed on the forum one thread about this problem where there were some comprehensive details about how to remove the hubs to check the pads and how to replace. It did wonder if there is a manual available (Haynes don’t appear to do one) that gives comprehensive instructions and pictures? If not can anyone advise the torque wrench settings for the caliper (7mm) and caliper support (13mm) bolts?
Also, I have a 2 ton trolley jack and axle stands but am not sure of the trolley jacking points on these modern cars (old cars were soooo much simpler to jack up)
From the above would you advise me to leave it to Volvo or "have a go" ? Not sure if I am just nervous about working on it as modern cars appear so much more complicated.
Many thanks

[swedishandgerman]

My advice would be to get that looked at earlier than the 14th!! If the friction material has broken up inside the drum, it might suddenly jam up, go off with a bang and £££££'s repair bill

It is, for sure, an easy enough job to do yourself:

http://www.volvoforums.org.uk/showth...ht=rear+brakes

The photos in the above link illustrate where to put the jack and the axle stands.

You need a good 7mm allen key to get the caliper off.

The springs are somewhat fiddly and it is easy to stretch tham when you take the old handbrake shoes out. I recommend that you buy a new load of springs together with your new handbrake shoes. These parts are not expensive.

Also, do make sure that the pad guides are nice and clean and that the pads move freely along them and it is easy to confuse how the pad spring goes back on - refer to the other side when you're replacing!!

I hope the £££'s you save by doing it yourself pleases you!