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E-brake doesn't work...

Help, Advice and DIY Tutorials on Volvo's P80 platform cars -- Volvo's 1990s "bread and butter" cars -- powered by the ubiquitous and durable Volvo inline 5-cylinder engine.

1992 - 1997 850, including 850 R, 850 T-5R, 850 T-5, 850 GLT
1997 - 2000 S70, S70 AWD
1997 - 2000 V70, V70 AWD
1997 - 2000 V70-XC
1997 - 2004 C70

This topic is in the MVS Volvo Repair Database » How To Replace Volvo E-Brake Pads
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TAFinley
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Re: E-brake doesn't work...

Post by TAFinley »

I just replaced mine following Ozark Lee's superb writeup. The job went just as described by Ozark, including that part where I stretched the lower spring in with a screwdriver to just barely hook it then had tap it in with a hammer.

The problem with mine was that one of those metal retainer clips on the side had popped out of its tab on the bottom. The tab had bent outwards over time and the clip popped out. The metal side of the brake shoe was then rubbing metal-on-metal against the inside of the rotor. So, I used a small drift and a hammer to tap the little tabs back in once I installed the retainer clips. I suggest that you check these little tabs as well.

Ozark, thanks for the fantastic write-up.
Tom Finley

'97 854 T-5

'85 245 GL

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abscate
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Post by abscate »

For reference the later model cars no longer have the star wheel for adjusting at the wheel, just the cable adjusts in the cabin. I thought this was a P2 change, but maybe late P80?
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mika
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Post by mika »

abscate wrote:For reference the later model cars no longer have the star wheel for adjusting at the wheel, just the cable adjusts in the cabin. I thought this was a P2 change, but maybe late P80?
looked on my 850 97' and 98 ' v70 and negative, no star nut for adjusting e brake. Everyone is always talking about the adjuster and I am sitting here just being like :roll:
'92 945 Turbo, 13lb boost on E85 with 54lb injectors, 230k
'98 V70 N/A 174K , Konis Sport + H&R Blue springs,16 inch Solars
'97 855 N/A


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Thunderbox
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Post by Thunderbox »

Just did this job on my 98 V70. It has the star adjuster wheel. I followed Ozark Lee's write up and had no problems. I did have to dig out bits of the old shoe material which had broken up and found there way down into the area between the back plate and the wheel bearing.

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Post by polskamafia mjl »

Does anyone have experience with the Pro Parts Sweden (possibly ScanTech with a new name?) hardware FCP sells? I installed new e-brake shoes and replaced the other hardware included in this kit: https://www.fcpeuro.com/products/volvo- ... 70-s70-v70 .

With the e brake released and the star adjuster adjusted correctly I can't slip the rotor over the new brake shoes. The new parking brake shoes are actually larger (longer along the circumference of the shoe) than the old ones I took off.

Is this just a problem with product quality? Are local part store options a good idea for new shoes or do I need to go the dealer route for these?
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Post by abscate »

There are two sizes of park brake shoe and it sounds like you have the wrong one.

Same thing happened to me on my 1999
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Post by polskamafia mjl »

Interesting. I just called NAPA and ordered a set. They should be in later this afternoon so I'll give those a try. What determines which size I need?
'All my money is gone and I have an old Volvo.' - Bamse's Turbo Underpants

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Post by abscate »

I think there are two different sizes of back brakes...standard and maybe AWD?

In addition, the R and T 5 models might get the bigger brakes?
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Post by polskamafia mjl »

We'll see tomorrow if the NAPA pads fit. On the driver's side I noticed the parking brake expander is stuck 'open.' Releasing the parking brake doesn't do anything so it looks like the cable has snapped on that side. My question is how do I compress the expander so I can fit the rotor over the parking brake shoes?
'All my money is gone and I have an old Volvo.' - Bamse's Turbo Underpants

Current: 1995 Volvo 850 T-5R Manual - Bringing it back from the brink of death
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Post by abscate »

Is the lever stuck in the expanded position ? Just pry it back. You can take the whole thing off if you are waiting for parts. Everything needs to be removed, wire brushed, and greased to complete an installation.

Both of my bricks are manuals so working e-brakes are mandatory
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