2001 V70 Handbrake sometimes doesn't grab

skaupert · Post by **skaupert** » 24 Jan 2010, 07:06

The handbrake used to grab with the handle about half way up.

Then one day, I suddenly could pull it all the way up. The brake seemed to hold though. Next time, the brake would grab again half way up. Eventually, it would always go all the way, and it's not holding tight anymore.

Since the change was intermittent, I have to assume that something came loose or broke, so I don't want to just go ahead and tighten the adjuster on the handle.

Has anyone else had this happen, and could share any insights?

Thank you!

billr99 · Post by **billr99** » 25 Jan 2010, 05:48

Your e-brake shoes have disintegrated. A common problem with OEM shoes, especially if they are the originals. Go aftermarket and replace the shoes and you'll be good again.

Cheers,

Bill

Post by **confused_al** » 25 Jan 2010, 07:07

billr99 wrote:A common problem with OEM shoes, especially if they are the originals. Go aftermarket and replace the shoes and you'll be good again.

Reason?

gchardy · Post by **gchardy** » 25 Jan 2010, 20:42

My 2001 v70 'e' brake disintegrated due to shoe separation. The aluminium forged stub of the axle / spindle that the shoes pivot and expand from to apply 'e' brake pressure sheared as well. 'E' cable function was as you described! Repair included rear spindle / hub ($200.00 used), brake cable and brake shoes and ancilliary assorted parts. By the way, I was doing 55 mph when I gentle snubbed the 'e' brake handle to control the distance from the car ahead of me.... The loud minor explosion of metal parts luckily did not lock up the back tire. I rate these Volvo 'emergency' brakes not for emergency high speed stopping, but rather 'parking' brakes to be applied while the vehicle is at a standstill. Volvo engineers, take notes!!!!
Hope the insights are helpful to you.
Graham.

skaupert · Post by **skaupert** » 25 Jan 2010, 20:57

Thanks to Bill and Graham for the input. And to Al for asking the right question. This is the first time that I've heard or read that there's a more general issue with the e-brake. So Bill, it would be great to know a bit more about your experience with this problem. Especially since I generally err on the side of OEM parts.

At this point, I'm concluding that I'll need to take the hub apart to see what's going on.

And I'll be sure to not ever pull up the handbrake/e-brake while the car is in motion.

Sebastian

skaupert · Post by **skaupert** » 25 Jan 2010, 21:54

Found an interesting article about the design flaw of P2 parking brakes on the Atlantic Motorcar's Website:

2006 Volvo XC70 - Handbrake Shoe Delamination Failure

(it's the second article down the page)

gchardy · Post by **gchardy** » 25 Jan 2010, 22:06

skaupart has hit on a great weblink regarding these brake shoe failures Sabastine...... the main point being that the longer you leave and ignore those rubbing sounds there is a grinding and chaffing of metal parts going on and if it is not the brake disc/drum it is the even more expensive spindle assembly chewing away. In your case with no sounds, it is a good place to start, that being removal of the caliper and disc for a look see! Good luck! Graham

billr99 · Post by **billr99** » 26 Jan 2010, 07:18

In my experience, I would have minor rear wheel lockup after sitting all night, usually in the winter. Finally, I just didn't have an e-brake. When I pulled the rotors both sides came out in pieces still fairly thick. The bonding to the web had let go which I chalked up to poor manufacturing. I've had a lot of Volvos and have never had a failure with OEM shoes before. But I didn't give them a second chance, I bought a set from a local parts place. Can't even remember the brand, basically a no-name. They work fine and have survived well so far in the constant salt air that I live in and the cold of winter.

Cheers,

Bill