Expensive Handbrake Woes :-(

[Clan]

Originally Posted by xc90driver2

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.

far too many , it should only go down 3 clicks and hold … does he know how to adjust the cable properly on the sleeve behind the panel at the left side of the gear lever ??? ( I doubt it if you have 7 clicks ) Has he checked that the expanders between the shoes are not seized ?
Has he bedded it in ? you need to drive at about 20 mph . press the parking brake on , go for 20 or 30 yards with it on and release for a while when it has cooled down do it again , and again , you will need to re adjust the cable and when cold it should be reasonable . Any adjusters fitted in the rear drum are to mask a fault elsewhere you don't need them , best spend your money fixing the fault itself !.

[S60D5-185]

Originally Posted by xc90driver2

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

Yes, as I've already stated.


The link that I included also showed them from Charlton Volvo at a cheaper price.

[xc90driver2]

Thanks to you all for the sound advice.

I'll go with Clans recommendations on adjusting correctly and buy the handbrake adjuster kit if required.

[S60D5-185]

Originally Posted by xc90driver2

Thanks to you all for the sound advice.

I'll go with Clans recommendations on adjusting correctly and buy the handbrake adjuster kit if required.

Let us know if you get it sorted satisfactorily this way.

I value Clan's advice enormously but those additional adjusters make a very substantial difference when fitted and set up correctly.

[SteveP]

Fit the adjusters as previously mentioned, mine with all new hardware including cables was still no good. That way you get decent independent wheel adjustment also.

Would normally recommend genuine parts too, but since Volvo had delamination issues of their shoes I wouldn't bother!

[galloot633]

Just fit the manual adjusters and never give the handbrake another thought ! But occasionally drive for a 100 yards or so with the handbrake gently on to clean up the drums
Dave

[XJSDriver]

Agree - the adjusters are the way to go.

[4x4]

3 clicks and it should hold on a reasonable incline, 4 clicks and mine holds solid on a 15° incline

[aland]

I've fitted the adjusters to my XC90 (and V70) - massive improvement.

[xc90driver2]

I have just ordered the adjusters, thanks again to all!

On another note, would anybody know a good Volvo mechanic in the Dublin area who would be able to fit the adjuster kit and be aware of the various quirks involved with the handbrake setup?