'07 S60 - Advice for Replacing Brakes

[jpfrantz]

I want to replace the brake pads and rotors on my '07 S60 and after reading the forums for a bit, I have a couple of concerns that I'd like some advice on.

First, while I've replaced disc brakes before on other cars, this will be the first time on my Volvo. I see that the brakes have this spring that holds the pads in place. How do I remove this without bending it? Is it easy? I found the pictures on how to put it back on correctly, but not how to remove them. I'd like to avoid messing this up so I don't have to take the car somewhere to have the brakes fixed again.

Second, when changing out the bake pads/rotors, I see there is a brake a line I need to loosen. Is there anything special I need to do to loosen the line? Anything else I should be aware of?

Thanks,
JP

[fazool]

I have this exact same car and, so, can speak from first hand experience:

If you have ever changed pads on any car, this will be the same - maybe easier.

The anti-rattle spring is easy to remove, I just use a flat blade screwdriver and gently pry it off at either end. Its a very flexible and strong spring so you won't bend it. I use a large long nose plier to reinsert it.

The calipers are held on with two socket head cap screws (allen bolts). They are inside a rubber sleeve that has a black plastic caqp on them. Use the screwdriver to pop the caps off.

The whole job is super easy.

[regent]

No need to detach any lines, just make sure you hang the caliper by a wire (I use a coat hanger) from the strut spring to prevent stress to the hydraulic line. The only thing you do with the hydraulics is bleed by the bleed screws.
That's it.

[jpfrantz]

Guys,

Thanks for all the info, especially the PDFs, very helpful! The Rear Disc files does say:

Note: In some cases the parking brake adjustment must be released in order to remove the brake disc.

Is that the case on the S70? If so, do I need an adjustable wrench to loosen any bolts or anything?

Thanks again!

[regent]

JP,
You are welcome.

Here is the Park Brake info on the S60 (same arrangement and procedures for the car I have). It may be required to loosen the cable (from the adjustment nut at the control lever) to allow the PB shoes to fully retract and free the rear disc.

There are several different setups for the S70s depending on MY, let me know which one you need if that is your case, and I will help further. Cheers!

[jpfrantz]

Regent,

Thanks for the PDFs. I noticed I mistakenly said S70 in my last post, I meant S60. So to be sure, to loosen the parking brake cable I do so from the cabin by lifting off the dust cover and twisting the knob thingy counter-clockwise. Looking at the picture, it shows the parking brake engaged, is that what I should do? I probably will anyway since the rear wheels will be up on jacks...


Thanks!

[regent]

JP,
The PB should not have to be applied; you want to loosen the cable a bit further beyond the "released" position; your goal is to remove the rotor and that's why you want to disengage the PB completely, right?

Usually, is not necessary to mess with the above adjustment, except when the cylindrical surface of your rotor has a 'wear groove' from the PB shoes contacting the rotor when applied). Loosening the cable will be inevitable in that case due to driving the car with partially applied PB (which will also wear the shoes out).

However, when you are done with your brake job, check the PB operation and re-adjust the cable per the procedure if necessary. Re-check/re-adjust after a few hundred miles (I would be very glad if I did not confuse you further
Cheers!

[jpfrantz]

Regent,

Since the weather is much nicer this weekend, I am going to attempt the brake change. In reading the PDFs, I see that Volvo tells me I need to replace the mounting screws when changing the rotors. Do I need to do this?

Thanks,
JP

[fazool]

i never have.

[jpfrantz]

Then I will go with what I have!

Thanks.