1999 S40 1.8xs not GDi Brakes

makedo · Aug 29th, 2011, 08:49

I have recently changed the brake fluid on my S40 after getting back into my Golf 1.4s and nearly putting myself through the windscreen because I have not driven it for a while. The brakes on the Golf were very responsive, and while the brakes on the S40 work, so do you as the pedal travels further and does not feel as solid. I know there is no air in the system as I have performed the check without the engine on, ie without the assistance of the servo and the pedal was solid, not spongey. The brake pads still have ample covering so this is not the problem either. I performed the servo vacuum test suggested in the Haynes manual of pumping the pedal with the engine off, then starting the engine and seeing if the pedal gave, which it did. It also said let the enging run for about 2 minutes and the brake action should feel normal, but it did not day whether to keep the brake depressed during this time.
My question is, is this how these brakes should feel or do I have a servo problem? I do not want to change the servo if the feel of the brakes is normal. As I said the brakes do work well, but you have to press hard on the pedal. Any help or advice is gratefully accepted. Thanks

Clan · Aug 29th, 2011, 08:59

Firstly make sure you have volvo pads front and rear and they are free in their holders free enough to rattle a bit ... They do tend to stick in their holders .
You cant compare a S40 to a Golf , The S 40 was designed in the 1990s .
A lot of modern cars have vastly over servoed brakes in my opinion . Especialy french ones . I like the S40 brakes you have more control over the amount of stopping power you need and when you press a bit harder they certainly work .
With these new cars the advantage would be the ABS would be brought into action much quicker , when was the last time you noticed the ABS come on in a S40 ?

makedo · Aug 29th, 2011, 09:37

The ABS has only come on when I tested my brakes after replacing the fluid. Although I drive fast, I do so safely and can't remember the last time I used the ABS in the Golf of the Volvo. Actually I do remember, it was in the snow and ice at temperatures of -14C last winter. I did think about the age of the car and the technology being a factor, which is why I wanted to seek others experiences like yourself. Thanks for that response, I will check the pads again and make sure they are loose, as to the make???
Thanks.

Lee '71 · Aug 29th, 2011, 09:44

Hi, I'm afraid you're in the wrong section for your car. This is for S40/V50 from 2004 on. You may get more right answers if you relist your query in the right section.

Good luck with your query.

makedo · Aug 29th, 2011, 10:01

I have now moved this thread to the correct section, please ignore this post and apologies for error.

Aug 29th, 2011, 08:49	#1
makedo Junior Member Last Online: Feb 15th, 2015 16:30 Join Date: Aug 2011 Location: Warrington	1999 S40 1.8xs not GDi Brakes I have recently changed the brake fluid on my S40 after getting back into my Golf 1.4s and nearly putting myself through the windscreen because I have not driven it for a while. The brakes on the Golf were very responsive, and while the brakes on the S40 work, so do you as the pedal travels further and does not feel as solid. I know there is no air in the system as I have performed the check without the engine on, ie without the assistance of the servo and the pedal was solid, not spongey. The brake pads still have ample covering so this is not the problem either. I performed the servo vacuum test suggested in the Haynes manual of pumping the pedal with the engine off, then starting the engine and seeing if the pedal gave, which it did. It also said let the enging run for about 2 minutes and the brake action should feel normal, but it did not day whether to keep the brake depressed during this time. My question is, is this how these brakes should feel or do I have a servo problem? I do not want to change the servo if the feel of the brakes is normal. As I said the brakes do work well, but you have to press hard on the pedal. Any help or advice is gratefully accepted. Thanks

Aug 29th, 2011, 08:59	#2
Clan Experienced Member Last Online: Yesterday 23:54 Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: L/H side	Firstly make sure you have volvo pads front and rear and they are free in their holders free enough to rattle a bit ... They do tend to stick in their holders . You cant compare a S40 to a Golf , The S 40 was designed in the 1990s . A lot of modern cars have vastly over servoed brakes in my opinion . Especialy french ones . I like the S40 brakes you have more control over the amount of stopping power you need and when you press a bit harder they certainly work . With these new cars the advantage would be the ABS would be brought into action much quicker , when was the last time you noticed the ABS come on in a S40 ? __________________ My comments are only based on my opinions and vast experience .

Aug 29th, 2011, 09:37	#3
makedo Junior Member Last Online: Feb 15th, 2015 16:30 Join Date: Aug 2011 Location: Warrington	The ABS has only come on when I tested my brakes after replacing the fluid. Although I drive fast, I do so safely and can't remember the last time I used the ABS in the Golf of the Volvo. Actually I do remember, it was in the snow and ice at temperatures of -14C last winter. I did think about the age of the car and the technology being a factor, which is why I wanted to seek others experiences like yourself. Thanks for that response, I will check the pads again and make sure they are loose, as to the make??? Thanks.

Aug 29th, 2011, 09:44	#4
Lee '71 Senior Member Last Online: Apr 23rd, 2016 19:52 Join Date: May 2009 Location: Poole, Dorset	Hi, I'm afraid you're in the wrong section for your car. This is for S40/V50 from 2004 on. You may get more right answers if you relist your query in the right section. Good luck with your query.

Aug 29th, 2011, 10:01	#5
makedo Junior Member Last Online: Feb 15th, 2015 16:30 Join Date: Aug 2011 Location: Warrington	I have now moved this thread to the correct section, please ignore this post and apologies for error.

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