Volvo AWD 850 Forum

INDEX FOR 10/2025(CURRENT) INDEX FOR 3/2010 850 INDEX

[<<]  [>>]


THREADED THREADED EXPANDED FLAT PRINT ALL
MESSAGES IN THIS THREAD




  REPLY TO THIS MESSAGE    PRINT   SAVE 

brake problems 850 1996

In December I had the front brake pads replaced on my 1996 850 and they turned the rotors. They also had to replace the passenger side front lower control arm. The brakes began squealing about 2 weeks later so I took the car back. This time they replaced the back brake pads with ceramic pads and replaced the rear rotors. I am still hearing a squealing noise, and when the brakes get hot, I am experiencing a shuddering feeling when the car stops. Sometimes the ABS and TRACTION OFF lights come on as well. What might be going on? I'd like to be somewhat informed before I go back and complain again.

thanks,
Deborah








  REPLY TO THIS MESSAGE    PRINT   SAVE 

brake problems 850 1996

Well to start with they should have replaced your rotors and not turned them. It is rare that there is enough meat on a used Volvo rotor to facilitate turning it and still have it be above minimum spec. The end result is usually a rotor that is machined right down to or even below that specification. Rotors like this are now thinner than ever and less able to handle the heat that is generated by the braking process. Ceramic pads huh? Where did you have this work done, was it a Volvo specialty shop or the dealer? I run either ATE or factory rotors and nothing but factory Volvo pads on everything in my shop. That is not to say that factory Volvo brakes do not squeak but in my experience they squeak much less than the alternatives that I have tried. I also have the added benefit of being able to explain to the rare customer with the squeaky brakes that everything on the car is factory Volvo and not some aftermarket ceramic B.S.

Tell me about the shuddering, is it in the steering wheel, or does it feel more like a seat of the pants kind of thing? Typically the steering wheel shimmy is a warped front rotor and the whole car shudder is from the rear, but not always. The ABS TRACS light coming on is more than likely a faulty ABS control module, depending upon the year. The earlier style ECU's we had no problems with but the later ones go out all of the time. If it is the later style one it runs somewhere between $200.00 (do-it-yourself) and $6-700.00 at a repair shop.

Good luck,
Mark








  REPLY TO THIS MESSAGE    PRINT   SAVE 

brake problems 850 1996

VOLVO DOES NOT RECOMEND TURNING THERE ROTORS, EVER..
AND JUST ABOUT ALL VOLVO BRAKES WILL SQUEAK A LITTLE.
THE BEST BET IS TO USE ONLY VOLVO PARTS.
CLEAN AND LUBE ALL CONTACT POINTS ON THE PAD AND CALIPER.
THE VIBRATION IS PROBABLY A BAD ROTOR. BUT COULD BE A HUB.
THE ROTOR COULD BE BAD BECAUSE OF THE TURNING PROCESS.

WE SEE IT ALL THE TIME, AFTERMARKET SHOPS MESSING UP SIMPLE REPAIRS.

C. BALLARD
VOLVO MASTER/ EXPERT/ASE MASTER TECH.








  REPLY TO THIS MESSAGE    PRINT   SAVE 

brake problems 850 1996

I replaced my fronts with Zimmerman Rotors and PBR metal master pads a year ago. No dust, no squeal, excellent wear. Put PBR metal master pads on the rear last fall, again no problems. (rear rotors were smooth and barely worn)
--
96 850T, Bilstein HD, IPD swaybars








  REPLY TO THIS MESSAGE    PRINT   SAVE 

brake problems 850 1996

I don't know why people turn rotors???? Rotors are cheap I have been told that if a rotor is warped and it is turned there is stress in the metal. I use sloted rotors and oem pads and they go 60,000 miles plus. if you have squealing it could be they didn't put in the friction plates or used the silcone squeal preventor.








  REPLY TO THIS MESSAGE    PRINT   SAVE 

brake problems 850 1996

I asked that the rotors be replaced instead of turned. They turned the back rotors, and when I found out and complained, they replaced the rotors at no charge. But I now believe they turned the front rotors as well, and I think that is the source of my squealing problem. I am going back later today to find out just what is going on.








  REPLY TO THIS MESSAGE    PRINT   SAVE 

brake problems 850 1996







<< < > >>



©Jarrod Stenberg 1997-2022. All material except where indicated.


All participants agree to these terms.

Brickboard.com is not affiliated with nor sponsored by AB Volvo, Volvo Car Corporation, Volvo Cars of North America, Inc. or Ford Motor Company. Brickboard.com is a Volvo owner/enthusiast site, similar to a club, and does not intend to pose as an official Volvo site. The official Volvo site can be found here.