rear brake squeel

Raffy · Post by **Raffy** » 18 Mar 2004, 09:24

Hi folks, I'm new to the board and I have a questions about the rear brakes on my 1998 S70.

I purchased the car used in 2001, it needed rear pads in order to pass certification so I had them replaced (non Volvo pads). Within a few weeks the rear brakes would squeel under low speed, light braking. I changed the pads to OEM Volvo pads. Squeel went away for about 2 months then came back. I took the car to the local dealer and was told that the rotors had glazed and they should be replaced, so they did that and I changed the pads once more (Jan./03). I smelled a "burning" odor on the way back from the dealer. I took it back and found that a rear caliper had seized. So they replaced that. Squeeling came back within a couple of months. Took it back to the dealer and was told that the rotors had glazed again. This time I had them machined (May/03). That lasted another couple of months. I just took it back today and they said that they can't machine them again (too thin) and recommended replacing the rotors and pads once more. As they are not guaranteeing the squeeling will not return (as I'm sure it will) I don't want to pay for new rotors and pads again to be left with the same problem in a couple of months (or sooner).

I put on about 20000 kms (12,500 miles) on the new pads and rotors, 15000 kms (9300 miles) since the rotors were machined (squeeling starts within 5000 kms (3100 miles).

The dealer's reason for the squeeling is that I'm "riding" the brake pedal. Which of course is certainly NOT the case.

Any advise would be MUCH appreciated.

Raf

Post by **matthew1** » 18 Mar 2004, 10:35

Wow. That's a long saga.

Let me 'percolate' on it.

Raf · Post by **Raf** » 18 Mar 2004, 13:01

Would anyone know of an alternative to original Volvo parts? Brembo,etc? Maybe that would make a difference. I simply see no reason to replace with OEM parts if the same problem is most likely going to persist.

Raf

Post by **matthew1** » 18 Mar 2004, 14:51

It's usually the other way around. You buy aftermarket parts and get the squeal. Then you go back to OEM.

One thing I ... well two things I can say are: put more (or have it done) backing grease on the pads, and take it to another shop and see what they say. It's clear that taking it back to that dealer isn't going to do much.

Haggis 100 · Post by **Haggis 100** » 21 Jun 2004, 20:19

The brake squeal is more than likely due to overtightening of the lug nuts at some stage on your wheels, usually with an air ratchet as they use in many shops when changing wheels etc., they overtighten the lug nuts, see owners manual for recomended torque.. you probably will find that you weren't even able to budge nuts with the lousy Volvo lug wrench you get in the trunk... so they were probably overtightened. Ideally u should use a torque wrench when tightening lug nuts and replace and tigten them in order opposite each other in a star pattern to ensure wheel goes on as flush as possible.
Another thing is that many shops will use whatever pads they can get their hands on. many aftermarket pads are semi metallic. While these will stop you and last a long time, they will create dust like you wouldn't believe. this clogs get's wet, makes your wheels filthy and causes screech at low speeds like hell, may even cause problems with abs sensors.
My advice is that if your rotors are screwed, that is less than 23.8 mm left, stock they should be 28 mm then get new ones, buy them urself, don't let some spotty 17 year old git at autozone tell you what u need, do some research and get something that will fit, stay cool and stop you when u need it.
Then get urself some ceramic pads which won't create as much dust dirt etc,
There is a great step by step guide at bay 13 by a volvo mechanic, with pictures for all s70 / 850 models...

PS if you know how to get the power window switch out of the door of a volvo s70 without the use of a sawzall please tell.... thanks. Haggis.

Tsquared · Post by **Tsquared** » 21 Jun 2004, 20:50

Don't forget the cut-out shims:

www.matthewsvolvosite.com/shims.php

I am using Brembo economy pads on my 850. It was squeeling like there was a major problem. Pulled pads and replaced shims (also sanded pad w/ 80 grit). Reinstalled everything with pleanty of grease. No problems for the past 6k miles.