Weak Handbrake

biggmacc · Post by **biggmacc** » 29 Mar 2009, 05:11

Hi to all, first time posting and a bit of a newbie to the internet aswell as car maintenance so any and all advice will be appreciated!
I have a volvo v40 that on visual inspection is in dire need of a rear disc and pad change, however the other day when i pulled up on the hand brake the handle was very slack and the car seems to be holding on only one rear brake? Been looking on the ever reliable e bay and they have two types of cable for sale, left hand and right hand! My question is should I change both cables or just one? Also if anyone has undertaken this job any advice or tips on how to go about it would be very useful!
Thanks Macc!

Post by **MadeInJapan** » 29 Mar 2009, 06:54

Macc, welcome to MVS.
Before thinking that it's your brake lines (wires) you need to take your rear wheels off and check the condition of the e-brake inside of the inner rotor drums- yes, on the inside of these rotors is a drum (like the older drum brakes) which has shoes that push out to engage the emergency brakes. Often what happens in our cars (same as on my S70) is that the rear drum brake pads get worn down to the point that they come apart and that brake is no longer functional. www.fcpgroton.com as well as eeuroparts.com sell the rear emergency brake pads to fix this. I am thinking that with the shoes replaced and functional again, your brake lines will be taunt. If you're going to have to do one side, you might as well do the other while you're back there. Report back as to what is exactly wrong and we'll help you with the how-to procedure.
Regards,
MIJ

Post by **billofdurham** » 29 Mar 2009, 11:40

Sorry to rain on the parade but I think you'll find the parking brake on the 2000 S/V40 works on the caliper and pad and not like the S/V70.

Before spending money on cables change the pads and discs. That may well cure the problem.

If you do decide to go ahead with cables then I would advise changing both as they are probably the same age and have had the same amount of punishment.

As you are in the UK you could also try, for the cables, http://www.partsgateway.co.uk/. They don't supply parts but act as agents for several new and used Volvo parts dealers who will contact you with prices and delivery costs. I have used them several times and have always had first class service.

Bill.

Post by **MadeInJapan** » 29 Mar 2009, 18:00

Ah, thanks Bill...should have looked it up...