850 Cars: Handbrake parts

[Clark]

Hi all,

The rear handbrake shoes seized on my 850R estate and I was having trouble moving - so my local mechanic disconnected them to allow me to continue driving (being an auto I usually use the P gear when parking anyway). He is now busy for the foreseeable future so can't finish the work anytime soon. I am now getting the work done by a recommended mobile mechanic but I now need to buy my own parts for him to do the work.

I don't know what parts to buy, other than remembering my old mechanic said it needs new shoes in the rear and a cable. What would you suggest I buy and from where? Taking into account the car has generally been neglected would it be wise to go all out and get new shoes and both new cables etc? A part list (and links to buy) would be massively appreciated

[DaveNP]

That's a very open ended question, to get to the shoes the mechanic will need to remove the disc/drums, which requires removal of the pads and callipers, so while he's at it would it benefit from new pads, discs, callipers, brake lines or flexi hoses? And what condition is the other brake cable? And how far do you want to go with the budget on this? When my shoes needed sorting I did the lot, about £300 on parts (a few years back) and a days work for me. Probably best to double check with the original mechanic who has looked at it or talk with the new mobile guy to get their recommendations.

[ITSv40]

Assuming the foot brake components are in good condition you are looking at replacing the handbrake - of which there are two main components, shoes and cables. The shoe springs are generally good and the adjusters can usually be cleaned up with a wire brush and a little ceramic lube. Buy genuine shoes from Volvo as several folks on here have had issues with aftermarket. I would replace the cables and would always do both sides at the same time. However, as Davenp says, the foot brake components may also need attention, particularly if the car has been neglected.