Rear calliper motor tool options

[HDAV]

After a quote of over £400 for rear brakes from dealer, Indy £270 and parts only £150 I’m considering doing it myself or with the help of a mechanic mate.


I know the callipers need winding back and this can be done with Vida, a tool or a 9v battery?

Any other specialist tools needed ? Dealer said discs and pads which is annoying after only 45k

[Zebster]

I followed this guide (which was still good for my newer model), used a 9v PP3 battery to avoid removing the motor (and risk damaging the o-ring) and added my own comments about polarity on page 5 (and how I used a lolly stick to hold the electrical connections). I had no real problems, the only tricky part was undoing the caliper electrical connector (but when you understand how the clip works it's easy!)... https://www.volvoforums.org.uk/showthread.php?t=206272

[Jensencars]

Hi don’t know what model car you have but on my XC60 I undid the 2 torx bits holding the motor on the calliper took it off and Then you wind the motor back with a torx bit also, refitting is reverse order and apply the electric brake a couple of times, you’ll hear the motor winding out.
I bought genuine pads off of Volvo parts trade on eBay only worked out about £4.00 more than Euro.......... next best pads,
The genuine pads had the instructions on ho to do this Inside the box....

[Jensencars]

Measure the disc thickness first to see if they have reached minimum thickness before buying new, I was told I needed new discs as well but didn’t (only 35K)
Think they automatically put both down on the report!!!

[Mick787]

I agree with Jensencars, get a second opinion. A main dealer tried to rip me off with rear discs, another main dealer said they were fine and didn't need doing, estimating they would last another set of pads. (I should add, my car has a manual gearbox.) The second main dealer said as a rule of thumb, two sets of pads to one set of discs, on the rear. My car has just clocked up 37k miles.

[V8XCV]

VIDA has some disc thicknesses and pad thickness, see thread here:

https://www.volvoforums.org.uk/showp...25&postcount=7

Note, this is example only, you need to put your VIN into VIDA to get the correct details for your car.

[MacV50]

I agree to get a second opinion on the disks. I've had dealers try to fleece me before on brakes

In terms of tools, I've just done the disks and pads on the rear of my 2016 XC60. I've previously done pads only. Here are my observations

Use good quality tools! If you do need to change the disks, the bolts holding on the caliper carrier are 15mm and extremely tight. I'd recommend a 6 point socket instead of 12 to get it loosened then a decent ratchet spanner to undo as it's tight right until it comes out. Access is restricted too so they were a PITA to get out.

Disks are held on with a T50 bolt. It's quite a shallow head so again, make sure you use a decent tool and don't rush it.

I used the battery method to wind back the calipers. Much easier than removing the motors once you know how to get the connector off. The first time round I removed the motors but you are meant to replace the O ring and bolts so better not to disturb them. If you do choose to remove the motors, you need a T40 bit to wind back the pistons.

Make sure to clean up the caliper slide pins as if they stick, you'll get uneven wear like I did. Use specific brake grease that's safe with rubber.

Do NOT put copper grease anywhere near your brakes! It attacks the rubber piston seals

There's plenty of guides on Youtube. Volvosweden's one is pretty good

[HDAV]

Thanks I’ll see if I can measure the discs

Originally Posted by Jensencars

Measure the disc thickness first to see if they have reached minimum thickness before buying new, I was told I needed new discs as well but didn’t (only 35K)
Think they automatically put both down on the report!!!

Anyone tell me the min thickness? Don’t have Vida

[MacV50]

It's 20mm IIRC

[V8XCV]

What model and year, and type of disc?