Brakes: Footbrake adjustment

[pj41]

Is it possible to adjust the footbrake 'tightness' and if so, can this be done at home as a DIY job?

Cheers,

PJ41

[Clan]

The parking brake you mean?
Early 2004 models are auto adjusting , 2005 on are manualy adjustable but need a tool to spread the adjuster in the cable which is situated behind the cover on the LEFT of the centre console . you press the brake on one click then spread the adjusting sleeve , as much as it will go it will click out as it has a ratchet on the inside .

[pj41]

Thanks for the swift feedback. I did indeed mean the parking brake and as mine is a Jan 2005 model it looks like it is adjustable. Is the tool specific to Volvo or is it more widely available?

Thanks in anticipation.

PJ41.

[Clan]

when you see the sleeve and the step between the two halves all will become apparant . You need a tool like circlip pliers which the end opens as you squeeze the handles together and they should have flat bladed ends to prise the two parts of the sleeve apart , they will need to be substantial pliers about 10 inches long ...
the brake must be on one click though so you dont over do it as releasing the adjustment is another operation .

[AB-UK]

Clan,
I have the 2003/4 model which you describe as auto-adjustable.
However, it needs some adjustment as it won't hold the car on a moderate downslope unless considerable foot pressure is applied.
MOT due soon and I wouldn't want it to fail.
Any idea how my parking break can be adjusted?
AB

[Clan]

thats probably due to lack of friction between shoes and drum at the rear as they tend to rust up on autos , people dont tend to put the parking brake on when they leave it in P .. adjustment only alters the travel of the pedal not the power of the brake ...

[RoyMacDonald]

Originally Posted by Clan

thats probably due to lack of friction between shoes and drum at the rear as they tend to rust up on autos , people dont tend to put the parking brake on when they leave it in P .. adjustment only alters the travel of the pedal not the power of the brake ...

Yes.... Volvo handbooks normally carry a warning saying do not leave the handbreak on for extended periods. I've always disengaged my Volvo hanbrakes when leaving since I read my first maual in 1981. I do have a level drive though.

[pythonpete]

53 plate (04) xc90 2.4 D5 semi auto
recently fitted new discs brqke pads and footbrake shoes


ok I think I have manage to work this foot brake cable adjuster out,
im just charging my camera to take some picture before I finnish and test it , then I will upload some detailed pics and how I done it , if it works lol fingers crossed

[pythonpete]

ok firstly it work
I now have a parking foot brake and its so good the car will not pull away with it engaged.

1 .
the adjuster is situated at the passenger side N/S center console ,remove the side panel and push the passenger seat back as far as you can.bend down the carpet and hook it under the seat somewhere to hold it out of the way.


2.
this is what you need to find
0.jpg


3.
remove the clip I have coloured it red ,nothing will happen when you remove it , JUST don't drop it
1.jpg


4.
now turn the part with the grooved lines clockwise whilst holding the end that goes to the rear of the car with some grips , it screws over the slot that the clip was in , I managed to turn it with my hands you may need pliers .
2.jpg


5.
the thinner metal part to the left should now be loose and will slide in and out of the fatter part you was just turning.
3.jpg


6.
Now wind the fatter part back clockwise to reveal the slot for the clip and then replace the clip ( Don't drop it ) now the end part on the left should still be loose (don't panic)
4.jpg

7.
WARNING
(YOU MUST NOW PRESS DOWN THE PARK BRAKE ONE CLICK ONLY)

this is to stop you over tightening the brakes , when brake is released at the end it will aloow for the brake shoes to move away from the hub slightly stopping any rubbing ie brake drag and eccessive wear

8.
Now you will need a set of grips and clamp the thinner metal part to the left of the part you were winding ,leaving a 10mm or so gap ,
5.jpg

9.
now you will need a pair of circlip pliers , put them in the gap between the grips and the end of the fatter part that you were turning to loosen the cable, and force the two apart keep moving the grips as the thinner part comes out of the fatter part until you can not do anymore , you should hear it clicking and the grooves for the adjustment will start to appear.
6.jpg


10.
now just wind back the adjuster back towards the clip only do this by hand I don't believe it needs to be tight.

and hopefully you will have a working park brake

I hope this helps and makes sense I tried to describe it as best I could ,iam In know way a car mechanic so you do this at your own risk

PLEASE LET ME KNOW IF THIS HELPED YOU OR YOU NEED ANYMORE HELP

[pythonpete]

these are the circlip pliers I used not large at all about the size of a normal pair of pliers


20150722_172646.jpg