2000 glt se weak brakes

slvrgrnglt · Post by **slvrgrnglt** » 12 Feb 2015, 22:26

i have a 2000 glt se with 168,000 miles.....the brakes dont bite effectively at high speed stops....normal driving is fine........ my, trusted mechanic freind said it was the brake booster, the master cyl was leaking fluid into it....(it was full of fluid)...replacing the master with a new unit, i chose a used booster for price...($350-$400 new)....the problem still persists.........is it chance the used booster is bad, or does anybody have any other ideas

Post by **jreed** » 13 Feb 2015, 05:12

I've got an older car and don't have experience with your model, but I was wondering if you did the basic checks such as checking the type and thickness of the pads at the front, the condition of the front rotors (thickness within spec, clean, evenly worn on both sides), the condition of the brake lines (any swelling or cracks?), bleeding the air out of the lines?

Post by **scot850** » 13 Feb 2015, 12:15

Check the rear calipers are working and that the parking brakes are free. I have found my 2000 V70R brakes are not as effective as my older V70XC and 850 with the smaller rotors which is strange. I had the dealer check them over and all was well, although I may change the vacuum valve on the booster as I think it is week and one of the guys here suggested it.

Condition of the rotors are paramount and I do believe that the Volvo OE pads give better bite. Others will disagree, but perhaps in warmer climate the Akebonos don't need to warm up as quickly.

Also check the condition of the vacuum line to the brake booster is not cracked/blocked or split.

I did find that when I ground the raised lip on the rear rotors off and cleaned the calipers and pad slider pins the brakes feel better. I means that the front brakes aren't doing all the work, which will highlight at higher speeds by reduced braking.

I don't know about in the US but I do find it frustrating here in Canada as there is no annual inspection where I live, no repair shops have brake rollers to check braking efficiency. IF that type of equipment is available in your area it may be worth a trip to check if all the brakes are doing their job.

Neil.