New rotors and pads, now rumbling rear brakes

kscomp0 · Post by **kscomp0** » 09 Jun 2008, 09:24

This is a 1998 S70 with 125,000 miles.

I recently had new rotors and pads placed on all four wheels by a local repair shop. Unfortunately, when I apply the brakes lightly now, a very loud rumbling noise comes from the rear of the car and is accompanied by some vibration.

I am going back to the shop, but I was hoping to get some ideas as to what is going on? Any thoughts?
Thanks

Post by **MadeInJapan** » 09 Jun 2008, 10:16

Well, did you use Volvo pads? Also, did you use the Volvo shims and the Volvo backing brake pad grease? Without these three items being done and done correctly you will probably have some issues related to squeaking, shuddering or the rumble you're experiencing. The Volvo calipers, especially for the rear brakes are very finicky and very little can set them off to making a racket. I would also suggest to your mechanic that he pull out the Caliper pins, clean them with brake cleaner fluid and grease them up really well and reinstall them. If they don't have the Volvo grease, at lease make sure they use copper grease. All of this makes a huge difference. Btw, even if everything is done right, the #1 issues with squeaking or rumbling back brakes is the use of after market pads.

kscomp0 · Post by **kscomp0** » 09 Jun 2008, 10:36

Here are the parts that I got from FCP Groton
Volvo S70 Non Turbo Front Brake Disc-Genuine Volvo
Volvo S70 Non Turbo Genuine Volvo Front Pad Set
Volvo S70 Non Turbo Front Brake Hardware Kit
Volvo S70 Non Turbo Front Caliper Bleed Screw

Volvo S70 Non Turbo Rear Brake Disc-ATE
Volvo S70 Non Turbo Rear Brake Pad Set-PBR Ultimate (Ceramic)
Volvo S70 Non Turbo Rear Brake Pad Shim Set-Teflon
Volvo S70 Non Turbo Rear Brake Pad Hardware Kit
Volvo S70 Non Turbo Rear Caliper Bleed Screw

Volvo S70 Non Turbo Brake Silicone
Volvo S70 Non Turbo Brake Bleed Screw Dust Cap

Could this noise result if they failed to install the shims?

Post by **MadeInJapan** » 09 Jun 2008, 14:22

Yes it could (do you know if the Teflon shims had little windows cut out or not- apparently the windows help although I've never tried them) and also the rear is the only place that Volvo pads were not used...I can't comment on the ATE rotors you put on the rear because I don't know anything about them. Could they have been warped to begin with? Any of this or the guys just didn't do a good job...like they didn't grease the caliper pins and they're sticking. Take it back and ask them to go over everything again.

Post by **JRL** » 09 Jun 2008, 15:17

CLASSIC
New pads on to old rotors
Volvos are NOTORIOUS for bad rear rotors and I would make a VERY educated guess that you also need to replace the rotors.
If they are the 1st or even the 2nd set of rear rotors they need to be replaced as they're only good for about 60k miles

My 06 R with only 18K miles just had new rear rotors installed under warranty.
I have complained about them since I got the car last year with only 13K! miles.
Not really noticable until braking at 80 mph, I KNEW they were going.
Well, now that the dealer caved and gave me new ones under warranty the entire car is quieter and even braking at 30 mph is smooth!

Post by **MadeInJapan** » 09 Jun 2008, 17:45

Jim, I think he DID put new rear rotors on...just that they were ATE and not your typical Brembo or Zimmerman's that we're used to seeing as OEM.

kscomp0 · Post by **kscomp0** » 09 Jun 2008, 18:28

Thanks for the discussion! I really appreciate the advice. I'm taking the car back in on Thursday.

Post by **JRL** » 09 Jun 2008, 18:49

MadeInJapan wrote:Jim, I think he DID put new rear rotors on...just that they were ATE and not your typical Brembo or Zimmerman's that we're used to seeing as OEM.

If so, then they just don't match up and one has to go.
What you are describing is classic rear rotor noise