V70 Brakes: Handbrake adjuster 2004

[mrsud]

Hellot
I have a Volvo V70 2004 model. It recently had new handbrake shoes fited; I heard about possible problems in this area. The handbrake is now almost ineffective; before it was good. Should the shoes have adjusters and if so should they be at the leading end?
If you prefer to phone my numbers are 01756 752848 and 07502028217.
Thank you
Stephen

[Symes]

The adjusters are not fitted, only an 'h' spreader bar. They are a popular 'upgrade ' however to provide some degree of security from the handbrake.

I recently serviced mine and found half of the lining missing from one of the shoes (quite new Padgit btw) the only replacements I could get had a lining half the thickness of the Padgits, I have the adjusters fitted, so no worries, but with the standard bar, the lining wouldn't 'bite ' across much of it's surface.

I'd take it back to where they were done if you can't adjust up on the cable (under the handbrake gaiter) - the new shoes don't sound like they're fit for purpose.

[redjelly5000]

I've got a similar problem. Just bought a 2006 V70 and the hand brake shoes, springs and back plates are all completely new on inspection today, done recently according to servicing paperwork, yet the handbrake is almost completely ineffective. Also there's no adjustment left on the adjuster in the hand brake gaiter. Very frustrating.

[jasmith44]

Sounds like the brake cable is stretched,new one needed.

[redjelly5000]

Initially that's what I thought, but the same paperwork says that the cables were renewed too. I wondered if as the post above, maybe the new linings are too thin and not meeting the drum wall enough. The brake works, but you can easily drive away forwards. Backwards however it holds fine.

[cheshired5]

Originally Posted by redjelly5000

I've got a similar problem. Just bought a 2006 V70 and the hand brake shoes, springs and back plates are all completely new on inspection today, done recently according to servicing paperwork, yet the handbrake is almost completely ineffective. Also there's no adjustment left on the adjuster in the hand brake gaiter. Very frustrating.

Often overlooked is the cable on the handbrake lever that links to the two individual cables so look for fraying where it curves under the lever.
Having done a few handbrake overhauls now without issue, I change everything (including rear discs) because the cost differential is minimal versus the pain of revisiting and I only use genuine Volvo or ATE who make pretty much all of the genuine Volvo brake hardware.

Do that and the handbrake will be perfect without needing adjusters but if you don't do that, you may have to spend time eliminating the many possibilities.

[wise old monkey]

i bought all new springs and the adjusters to mine when the weather is better, but just sat in the car and pulled the cover of the handbrake lever to find a biege plastic cover hiding the adjuster, so i wound it down about 5 turns, now the hand brake lever is on 3 clicks and holding really good, also no more squeks from the rear brakes as i get out and no roll forward once foot brake is released.

[redjelly5000]

Thanks. I'm certain all the cables are new. I have receipts for the work done. Also I know that the shoes springs and even the back plates are brand new too. Had it all open today before the MOT and it's literally spotless shiny and new. I fear there maybe nothing else for it but to add the adjusters to solve this one as it's just failed the MOT on just this one issue.
btw as aforementioned the adjuster by the handbrake lever is fully adjusted. Nothing left to give.

[Dancake]

Have you bedded the shoes in at all? Drive the car for a couple of hundred yards with the handbrake lightly applied and see if it gets any better. Do this a few times until the handbrake starts to grip more. If it still doesn't hold properly afterwards, either fit the adjusters or replace the shoes with genuine Volvo units.

[redjelly5000]

Yes I have. The shoes have been in maybe 6 months but I have tried bedding them in too. I agree with your thought process though, they are behaving as though they're just not bedded in. But it doesn't help that there's no more adjustment and the lever is up to my armpit. There's no more pressure I could apply even if I wanted to. They may well be genuine Volvo shoes for all I know.