1999 S70 - Brake caliper stuck

Reinie · Post by **Reinie** » 03 Dec 2014, 18:12

Started getting a vibration at highway speed and noticed the right front pads and rotor were heated up. The pads and guide pins looked okay, but the caliper piston will not depress with a c-clamp. Never had a problem with this in the past. Assuming the caliper needs to be replaced; here are my questions. 1.) Should I replace only the right caliper? Or both sides? 2.) Is there a preferred aftermarket brand on this forum? I'm not buying a volvo OEM.

Post by **abscate** » 03 Dec 2014, 18:48

I replaced mine with rebuilt ATE brand. I did one, and the other froze about six months later.

https://www.matthewsvolvosite.com/forums ... er#p289371

Post by **cn90** » 03 Dec 2014, 20:21

Same EXACT thing happened to my 1998 S70 GLT in Nov 2013...

See my post from 3 Nov 2013 in the thread below, RF caliper sized.
Normally, I'd rebuild the brake calipers preventively but this one piston was corroded (from a torn rubber boot). Got a rebuilt caliper from local NAPA (bring your old core in) for $45. There should be a NAPA store in your town.

https://www.matthewsvolvosite.com/forums ... 1&start=28

For the other side, you have 3 choices:
1. Leave it alone until it goes bad.
2. Rebuild it using ATE seals (cost is $10 or so), first make sure the piston is not corroded.
3. Rebuilt caliper from NAPA.

Post by **jreed** » 04 Dec 2014, 05:12

A couple weeks ago I replaced both front calipers on my '97 855 GLT at about 176k miles. I used rebuilt Volvo ATE calipers from Advanced Auto. The cost was about $40/each plus a core charge that they refunded when I returned the originals. I also replaced the rotors with Volvo OEM and the pads with Akebono ceramic. The brakes are working great now -- smooth stopping!

Post by **E Showell** » 04 Dec 2014, 05:40

I always use rebuilt Volvo calipers from whoever has them cheapest -- which is sometimes the local chain auto parts store. Advance Auto is a chain near me that offers in-store pick-up of items ordered online and they'll give you a 15% discount on online orders over $50. If they have the items in stock, you can order online and pick up in the store a half hour later.

FCP can sometimes have pretty good deals on pre-loaded calipers, but they usually come with pads that make tons of dust. I love the Akebono ceramic pads. You pay a bit more for them, but the stopping power is good and they are virtually dust free.

I don't think I've ever bought a new Volvo caliper.

Post by **oragex** » 04 Dec 2014, 06:37

You may also replace only the inner piston seal. Don't know how much it costs at Volvo, but I guess it's a cheaper and easier job than replacing the whole caliper (just make sure to lubricate the new seal with brake fluid before putting it in place. Inspect the piston wall for rust. Also inspect the dust boot on the piston. You just need to remove the piston with a pliers, while the bleeder is released. Do not force the piston back in with the bleeder close, as this can put extra pressure on the system's valves and damage them. The piston needs to be moved always with the bleeder open - even when only replacing the brake pads.

Post by **mecheng** » 04 Dec 2014, 06:53

Yes, the front ATE calipers on these cars have a finite life. I changed both front calipers and a brake hose (it was showing cracks). For the caliper I got a new rebuild; brake hose ATE.

Reinie · Post by **Reinie** » 04 Dec 2014, 13:16

Just purchased a NAPA caliper ($47), hose ($26) and guide pins ($3). Looked like most calipers are remanufactured with a core charge. Much cheaper than my initial parts search. Only doing one side for now... Thx.

Post by **cn90** » 04 Dec 2014, 14:50

Check the brake hose on the other side too!

clifford06 · Post by **clifford06** » 04 Dec 2014, 21:31

Greetings. Did your right front rotor show a different coloration on the pad area from the others ? I ask because I have a vibe that seems to come from the front. This is after I have changed all front end parts other than calipers and hoses. My rotor surface has the color and surface texture similar to a brake pad.