98 V70 GLT Noise While Braking, Not Pads

als98volvo · Post by **als98volvo** » 22 Jul 2015, 11:17

My 98 V70 GLT is making noise while braking. At first, I figured the brake pads were worn but, they were only half worn. I replaced them anyways. Still makes noise that sounds like the brakes but, is not. I think maybe the CV axles or, something along those lines are bad. It does seem to make the noise slightly when making tight turns. And one more thing, it does not seem to make noise while braking in reverse. Does anyone know the problem? Thanks.

Post by **Ozark Lee** » 22 Jul 2015, 16:09

Is the noise a grind/growl or a squeal? Volvos are notorious for squeaky brakes if other than OEM pads are used. I have done OK with Mintex red box pads but I use Teflon half shims on the rears and I use a very liberal amount of Sil Glyde brake grease on the back of the pads and the shims. Most auto parts store pads will squeak and squeal no matter what you do with them.

The fronts typically don't make as much noise but on one car I would up using some Permetex stuff called Disk Brake Quiet on the back of the pads to shut them up.

...Lee

als98volvo · Post by **als98volvo** » 23 Jul 2015, 04:18

Thanks for the reply. It is more of a growl than a squeal. I did not replace the rotors when I replaced the pads. The rotors seemed fine but, I wonder if the rotors wore down over time and causing the brakes to make noise. The car has 200k on it but, the dealer serviced the car every 5k until 100k, then no more. So, not sure if dealer replaced rotors prior or, if they are original. The pads never wore until metal so, not too sure if rotors wear down from normal use. They felt fine, when inspecting. Can rotors glaze over and cause noise? Probably should just replace the rotors but, wanted to hear suggestions before replacing parts that appear to be fine, other than age. Thanks.

mika · Post by **mika** » 23 Jul 2015, 08:33

90% chance its the rear e-brake pads (its essentially a drum brake on the inside of the rotor). I have never had a Volvo without rear e-brake pad problems. pull the wheel off, then caliper, then disc, check condition. it takes 15 minutes.

Post by **E Showell** » 23 Jul 2015, 10:52

+ 1 to Mika's thoughts, although a growl could be a wheel bearing. The ebrake system is not a good one and gets out of adjustment easily -- the metal clips that help keep the pads aligned to the drums are too flexible and often get bent out of shape to the point where the pad does not travel the path it should. This creates unwelcome noise in the system.

Post by **scot850** » 23 Jul 2015, 11:08

I agree with Evan and Mika to check the rear brakes. But a point worth considering. When I was looking at pad wear v's rotor/disc wear, Volvo's info basically gave the impression you could get 2 sets of pad wear for each rotor change, which the dealer foreman confirmed. So if you have had more than 1 previous set of pads on the rotors, changes are your discs are too thin and may be causing the noise. Also check the rear of the rotors, as sometimes they get scored, or rust build up with the lip on the outside edge on both sides causes noise from the pads. Also, Evan made a good point is could be the start of a wheel bearing getting noisy.

Lastly, just check the dust shields have not been bent slightly touching the rotors. Having said that, I'd not expect a growl from that.

Neil.

als98volvo · Post by **als98volvo** » 23 Jul 2015, 13:36

Thanks everyone for your input. It is definitely coming from the front. I recently replaced the rear pads, as well. I also, do not think it is the brakes. The noise is mainly while braking but, only at slow speeds. If braking from highway speeds, there is no noise. The noise only starts when the car slows to a stop. It also makes the noise when making a tight turn and the brakes are not applied as, when I turn out/in my driveway. I do get a clicking noise when I turn real tight which, I understand is the axle. This is relatively a new noise and not sure if related, two completely different sounds.

IG-88A · Post by **IG-88A** » 23 Jul 2015, 17:34

I had an occasional growling noise up front after replacing both front pads and rotors. I thought it was just maybe things settling in. I used Volvo pads and NAPA rotors. I put these on maybe three months ago. I went to replace an inner tie rod a couple of weekends ago and thought I'd look into this and see if I could figure anything out. Turns out the NAPA rotors have already worn down about 1/8", for some reason. I checked out my old rotors which came with the car, and they weren't scooped out at all. I'm not sure what's causing the rotors to wear so fast, but maybe you have the same issue.

Sommerfeldt · Post by **Sommerfeldt** » 24 Jul 2015, 07:25

Here's an unhelpful post from me; I've had that low-speed growl from my front end brakes at times as well - only low speed, only intermittent. Condition of the brakes is good - far from having to be replaced.

Never found the source or reason for the sound.

- S

blandis · Post by **blandis** » 29 Jul 2015, 17:16

I have a very similar issue. Had it to two different guys to figure it out. Going back tomorrow to another. Neither can tell what it is. Thought it was only when pads/rotors were wet. Not the case best I can tell.

Pads are good. Rotors are good.

I believe it is the front drivers side. Can feel the "grind" in the pedal and floorboard while driving. My problem is intermittent. Sounds like metal against the rotor. Turning right or left does not seem to make a difference. Only does it when you brake pretty hard and under 20MPH. I come off the HWY alot. Start slowing at 60 smooth and no noise... continue to brake and when you hit about 20 starts the noise.

I may ask to have new pads put on...that would be my first guess. Sounds like we all have the same issue. I will share if we find a solution.