1998 V70 Rubbing noise while braking

PolishRifle · Post by **PolishRifle** » 15 May 2015, 14:19

I recently got a 1998 Volvo V70 T5 with 160,000 miles on it. I got it for next to nothing and it has been running fine for the last 2 months. Recently I was getting a low rubbing noise when braking and low speeds, like slowing when approaching a stop sign. At times if I take my foot off the brake and reapply it the noise goes away. Its not a grinding noise but more of a groaning, almost like rubber dragging on glass if that makes any sense.

I replaced all of the rear brake pads and the noise had stopped for two weeks but I have now heard it again occasionally. It seems to happen during city, stop and go driving, but not at all on my commute to work which is all Interstate with 1 stop sign when I get off the exit.

Post by **misha** » 15 May 2015, 15:01

You replaced brake pads,but what is the condition of rotors?
Did you re-install the shims along with new brake pads?

Post by **MrAl** » 16 May 2015, 05:18

Hi,

That sounds like the noise my 98 v70 is making too. It's a very strange sort of noise that is hard to describe. Mine happens most of the time though especially while braking, not just occasionally.
I had been informed by several people now that it is probably a warped rotor (only one wheel makes the noise BTW).
I will be finding out for sure very soon and will let you know what happens.

Post by **Ozark Lee** » 16 May 2015, 05:58

When you replaced the pads what brand did you use? The brakes on a Volvo are notorious for making noises if you use the typical auto parts store pads. I have had good luck with Mintex pads and they are only about half as dirty as the OEM pads but with all of them I use shims on the rears and a generous amount of brake grease on the back of the pads and on the shims.

...Lee

Post by **precopster** » 16 May 2015, 06:53

The Amazon Bosch Quietcast pads for rears are cheap and have a triple layer coating to prevent noise.

I sold afew of these locally and have great feedback from customers.

Otherwise Mintex or Textar aren't bad if you use the shims.

Post by **E Showell** » 16 May 2015, 16:01

You need to check the emergency brake and make sure the clip that holds the shoe in place tight to the rotor isn't bent -- they are thin metal and bend frequently. Also, make sure the ebrake springs are relatively new. Most low-speed braking issues I've encountered have been related to emergency brake malfunction if I know the condition of the pads and rotors is otherwise good. To me, the emergency brake system on these cars seems a bit finicky.

PolishRifle · Post by **PolishRifle** » 19 May 2015, 13:22

I had used the Bosch pads on the rear of the car and the rotors looked good. I hadn't thought about the E-Brake since its an automatic. When I tested the e-brake when the car was in neutral I realized that the e-brake does not function at all. I didn't pull the car apart to look at the situation closely but how hard is it to fix that system?

mika · Post by **mika** » 19 May 2015, 13:35

E Showell wrote:You need to check the emergency brake and make sure the clip that holds the shoe in place tight to the rotor isn't bent -- they are thin metal and bend frequentlY .

which clip are your referring to?

For original poster: under the armrest, there is a plastic removable window for the ebrake adjustment. Other than tightening that, you will have to remove the rear caliper and rotor, and then check out the ebrake pads.

Post by **MrAl** » 20 May 2015, 07:22

Hello again,

I have verification now that at least the rubbing noise in my brake was due to a rusty rotor. I had both rear brake rotors replaced at the garage as the guy gave me a very fair price for replacing both rotors. I was able to get a look inside too while he did it.
The rust is unbelievable, you have to see it to believe it. It is everywhere except where the pads meet the rotor. But that means on the edge too, and also between the rotor and the hub mount. The rust there had to be taken off with an abrasive wheel.
Now the brakes are quiet

BTW parking brakes on this particular car looked good.

Post by **abscate** » 20 May 2015, 07:56

A lot of parking brake issues on these cars is from non-use. With an automatic, Ill guess 95% of drivers don't even set their parking brake. After near 20 years non-use, they are going to be corrosion problems on the cables and actuators. My 1999 parking brake shoes (new) still bond to the brake drum if left on for a week or so - if the car will sit I use the brake and then release it to keep things moving. They are easy to service though.

There is a parts change in the 1999 model year on the parking brake shoes - if your vendor doesn't show it, watch out. The shoes are different radius and won't fit.