Front Brake Caliper Pad Retaining Springs

[stellamon]

I bought some pads for the front of my v70 t5 and asked the local garage to fit them.
They said the wrong sized discs were on the car in the first place, so they had to fit new discs and subsequently new pads also. Apparently the ones I bought were not the right size.

Anyway, a couple of months later and I've been getting brake squeal, really annoying so decided to add some copper grease to the rear of the pad.
Took the wheel off and noticed there were no brake pad retaining springs on the calipers.
Carried on and fixed the brake squeal, then called the garage and asked what had happened to my springs which I was sure were on before they did the work.
They asked me to go show them, so I did, they then said new springs were on the way, then said new springs wouldn't fit and weren't needed anyway.
They said that if they're were no springs when I took it in then they wouldn't have needed them or some ****e like that.
Then said maybe the calipers fitted weren't standard perhaps and so on and on....

Anyone know if I should have these retaining springs fitted or not and if they serve a purpose?
maybe I bought a v70 t5 which has some other calipers fitted but don't know what they are.

[cheshired5]

Does the caliper look something like this?

[stellamon]

No, not really, looks like this:





I will get the wheel off again tomorrow for a better picture.

[stellamon]

These are the pictures of my front caliper with no springs :

[wise old monkey]

Your brakes are xc90 brakes. You will need 316mm discs. Not standard 305mm discs. From the looks of the picture the garage has fitted 305mm discs which means the pads will wear out over the top disc which over time the pads will meet together at the top over the disc. Mine was the same when i got mine. You can get the xc90 discs on ebay for £49.99 each. Also get the police spec pads for £29 delivered if they have any left.

[cheshired5]

OP, you're definitely missing a spring that should look similar to this.
Stephenevans99 pic I believe.....

[stellamon]

Thank you for identifying the calipers for me wise old monkey.
The old pads had worn over the top of the old disc, that's why they fitted larger discs and from yesterdays inspection they seem to be the right size now, there is a 2-3mm rust line around the outer edge of the disc.
Don't the XC90 calipers require the pad retaining springs then?

[TDIvolvo]

Originally Posted by stellamon

They said the wrong sized discs were on the car in the first place, so they had to fit new discs and subsequently new pads also. Apparently the ones I bought were not the right size.

It looks like they have messed this up.

They have not understood the brakes on this Volvo, they have billed you for discs you possibly didn't need because of their ignorance and now it is possible the pads will be worn in such a way they will not sit right on the discs you now need.

Garages lack the skill and thought of older mechanics these days. Annoys me.

[oragex]

I would disagree using a C-clamp to force-push back the piston, it can cause valves damage. Instead, open the bleeder (might be stuck), attach a small tube+can so not to spill the fluid on the floor and push back the piston by hand.

[TDIvolvo]

Originally Posted by oragex

I would disagree using a C-clamp to force-push back the piston, it can cause valves damage. Instead, open the bleeder (might be stuck), attach a small tube+can so not to spill the fluid on the floor and push back the piston by hand.

Good tip.

This also serves as an on the fly means to change some of the brake fluid.

The fluid in the caliper will have lived in that area more or less since it was filled and primed.

It is also a good idea not to let heaps of fluid return up via the ABS unit and into the reservoir as it may contain contaminants and rubber particles which can gum things up.

Pushing it back by hand may not always be possible, I would still suggest something to help push it back in will be needed. I sometimes simply use the wooden handle of a hammer and gently pry it back against the disc, if that fails and it's stuck a bit some big water pump pliers.

Also, Red Rubber Grease is the only grease that should come into contact with the internal braking components. I have a 500g tub which I use to lightly lubricate the pipe and unions before fitting (ordinary grease here COULD find it's way into the fluid) to help prevent them sticking, on bleed nipples, on the pistons around the seal or all over the piston if I am rebuilding a caliper. If your not sure about why you ought to do this, the next time you have an old brake seal put it into a little tub with some engine oil or ordinary grease.