1997 850 GLT Brake "response" question

Post by **m491** » 23 Feb 2015, 17:42

This weekend I took my son's Volvo 850 for a highway trip. I never really use it for anything more than short runs around town but it had been sitting for a while and thought a trip at higher speeds and longer distance would do it good. I had a total of five people in the car so it was carrying extra weight. When hitting the brakes at speeds of 50-60 mph the car was not stopping like I was used to. The distances I needed was much longer to brake than at lower speed and when I was the only driver. It recently passed a state safety inspection 6 months ago and only driven 2000 miles since that time. Did the full car cause it to brake much worse or should I be checking for any issues in the braking system? Two months ago the ABS light came on for my son but it hasn't happened again. I assumed the ABS computer was starting to go bad and I would change it out when it warmed up or if the light came back on again and stayed. That hasn't happened.

If the extra weight in the car didn't cause the issue any areas you folks would suggest I look is greatly appreciated.

Post by **polskamafia mjl** » 23 Feb 2015, 18:28

I've never been happy with the 850 brakes. Both my previous 96 GLT and my current T5R feel like a freight train trying to stop.

Post by **dosbricks** » 23 Feb 2015, 18:57

Hmm....only 2k in six months. Is this car parked outside all the time? Sitting out in PA winter and only occasionally driven would suggest a buildup of rust on the brake pads from rusty rotors. That will definitely affect braking if exacerbated by having five adults on board. You might start by pulling a set of rear pads since they are easy to get out and check them for rust glaze.

I put new pads and rotors on both our cars this past year and think they stop just peachy. Volvo for Life you know.

Post by **m491** » 23 Feb 2015, 19:04

My son is at college and the car sits so I try to get it out and get the fluids warmed up at least 1-2 times a week. We have had a lot of snow and salted roads the last two months so maybe there is some buildup on the pads. I never noticed that in my other 850's over the years but since this one sits I'll give it a look.