1999 S70 GLT Parking Brake Failure Topic is solved

ericmci · Post by **ericmci** » 27 Jul 2020, 18:28

Hello,

After just replacing the Entire rear suspension- including delta links and transverse arm mounts with spring and shocks I brought it to the dealer for alignment/inspection.
Good news- aligned perfectly- drives like a new car.
Bad news- My e-brake doesn't grab at all.
I have the common cracks in the sheath and I have done the adjustment in the center console to no effect. Pull the lever put it in drive on a level surface- it goes.
I am not exactly keen to take on another fairly large project right after the last but if it's crazy expensive I will have to.
Any idea what an affordable shop would charge for potential issues here i.e cable and or shoe replacement?
Anything I should look for before I either bring it in or order a kit like this from IPD-

https://www.ipdusa.com/products/21774/v ... 70-s70-fwd

Thanks in advance!

-Eric

Post by **scot850** » 28 Jul 2020, 11:39

Did your e-brake work before the rear suspension work? If so it is possible that the parking brake cables got kinked. My recommendation is to jack the rear wheels up (you can do one at a time), pull the parking brake on and see if you can move the rear wheel. This may identify if one or both sides are bad. Unless you have replaced either cable in the recent past, I would recommend replacing both cables, especially if original. There are aftermarket cables out there but I have not used them. Last set I used were from Pro-Parts Sweden from FCP and I just LOOOVEE doing work twice over. Cables were made wrong and too short between the rear hub and the mounting just forward of the rear wheels. Cable prevented rear wheels being re-fitted!

I have had to replace the cables on all my P80's due to lack of use and maintenance by previous owners. Most believe these are fit and forget parts but they are not. OE cable usually last many years, so if you plan to keep the car, and use the parking brakes a lot, buy OE cables.

Don't know who the aftermarket cables are made by at IPD. I'd ask. They are cheap but........ Your choice.

When you have the rear wheel off the ground to check (front wheels chocked of course!) the cables, get some one to pull the brakes on and then release and see if the brakes then release again. If you notice no difference, then the cable is either seized or broken internally.

Don't forget there is a tie back for the cable on the rear trailing arms where there is a plastic loop that is held onto the side of the arm with a pop-rivet. You may have a challenge finding the original hole. You will need to wire brush the side of the arm and you will find a dimple where the rivet broke off. You can usually punch the remnants into the are to re-use the hole.

As you will have the back rotors off to replace the cables, make sure it is all clean, lube the adjuster to ensure it moves easily. I also usually roughen the inside of the rotor drum with wire wool or fine emery paper to take the shine off and give better grip for the shoes.

Good Luck!

Neil.

ericmci · Post by **ericmci** » 28 Jul 2020, 15:37

Man- thanks for the excellent reply!
My concern was kinking the cables as well.
I did secure the cables to the delta link brackets when done but they did see a bit of bending in service of everything I replaced in the rear suspension. And one cable has long had the crack that forms.
To tell you the truth I almost never used the parking break and they are the originals. It might be good just to replace them as maintenance.
About 5 years ago the shoes were replaced due the Volvo original adhesive issue that brakes down prematurely.
I will jack and check each wheel tomorrow just to see.
I have reconsidered and decided to go with original cables and after market/quality shoes for exactly the reasons you laid out.
I rent my apt and it might be tricky- but doable to do the work in my parking space. I did the suspension job in a friends garage that is currently occupied.
So in gauging the cost of a job what do you think is a fair price?
I am talking to a shop that comes recommended right now. I would disconnect the cables from the console and take up the carpet- seats- etc for access to save time and hopefully $$ which they seem open to.

Also-- Nice collection of cars!

ericmci · Post by **ericmci** » 28 Jul 2020, 15:40

*Cables from IPD are Febi. I have had pretty good experiences with their stuff in the past.

Post by **smacknab** » 28 Jul 2020, 21:18

One of mine stopped working as it was rusted or seized in the sheath. I found the crack, worked some PB blaster in it and pulled the ebrake a bunch of times till it freed itself. Might not be the issue, but figured I'd mention since you have cracks in the cable. It's definitely not a permanent fix but it worked for me

ericmci · Post by **ericmci** » 29 Jul 2020, 07:02

I tried that as well worth but trying again. I found a shop that will do it with Genuine Volvo cables and aftermarket shoes for 450.00
If I can't manage some time in a friends garage coming up I might take them up on it. It would be nice to know that it's an area I don't have to add to the project list which thankfully is growing shorter.