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Do-it-myself brake job[200/89] posted by Rick D____ on
Monday, 9 November 1998, at 12:18 p.m.
Is it reasonable to think that I could change out the brakes on my Volvo by myself? I'm only asking because I've never done a brake job on any car, but I heard that changing out the brakes on a 240DL wagon is a snap.
Please advise - Thanks
rick
Re: Do-it-myself brake job[200/89] posted by Paul S. on
Monday, 9 November 1998, at 1:50 p.m.
Are you talking about just changing pads or what?
I too think it's a snap, but also agree with johnb that you should not trust your life on a "practice" job.
So my advice? Get a Bentley Manual, and change your rear pads (order 'em from IPD or RPR). Make sure you get the hardware kit as well. (it's inexpensive and worth it). So practice on your rear pads, learn the action of the calipers, see how everything goes together.
Then take your car to an "expert" (choose one that knows Volvos, I've seen some really really really really bad work done on "simple" Volvos by "expert generalists") - Anywho take the car in for the rest of the work, but tell 'em you don't need rear pads (if they change those, you KNOW you are in trouble). Make sure they flush and bleed with DOT type 4 fluid.
I dunno, you gotta start somewhere, (we all did!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!) Read ALL the manuals and take your wheels off and study the car.
--Paul Mr. Hernianomore S.
Re: Do-it-myself brake job[200/'82] posted by Tony Giverin on
Monday, 9 November 1998, at 5:38 p.m.
Rick,
The previous comments by Paul and John are worth noting, and John's suggestion of starting with the rear, and using a manual is good advice.
But if I can give you my two cents worth....after working on a number of
differant makes since the day's of owning a Vauxhall 25 years ago, I too agree that a brake job on a 240 is easy. If you are talking about replacing the pads, its a snap. I should confess that's all I've done over the years and bleeding the system as well. I have always purchased the stock parts including the brake "kit" which includes springs and clips/pins, that I recommend are changed at the same time. Changing pads only, takes me about 15 minutes a wheel. There is a lot of satisfaction in doing a job by yourself. I have done this regularly in the last 15 years on my '82.....as
a result the rotors have never been machined as I don't give worn pads a chance to damage them. I use both the Haynes manual and Chilton manual for guidence..Good Luck!
Tony G '94 850GLT, '82 240DL