brakes and interior water leak, 2000 volvo s40

simplyT · Post by **simplyT** » 24 Jul 2008, 21:57

I seem to be having an issue with the braking system on my 2000 volvo s40 that no one can explain. I hope you can help. Sometimes when I press the brake pedal to stop, the pedal seems to "lock". It won't go down and my car only slows down, it doesn't stop. It's not frequently but still a big, scary issue.

I have also had an issue with water leaking from under the dashboard (by gas pedal). I thought it could have possibly been the air conditioning although it works fine... what else could it be? Have you heard of these problems? What could it be?
Are they related?

Post by **billofdurham** » 25 Jul 2008, 11:52

Welcome to Matthew's Volvo Site.

The first thing to check is the vacuum line to the brake servo (booster). They have a tendency to collapse internally as they age, especially when the temperatures rise (engine and ambient). Also check the valve that sits near the top front of the servo.

As for the water ingress I don't know enough about the make up of the S40 to comment so hopefully someone else will be able to help. Meantime I shall do more research.

Bill.

Post by **MadeInJapan** » 25 Jul 2008, 16:54

If this were a 70 series Volvo I would suspect the heater core that's under the dash, right in the middle. When it leaks, it spills coolant onto the floorboard. If the "water" on your floorboard smells sweet like coolant this could be it. Whatever it is, get it checked by a mechanic who knows your car (not necessarily the dealer).