We have a '00 S40 with 30K miles. At 15K, we had to replace the REAR
pads and rotors. The car just turned 30K and again both the REAR pads
and rotors need replacement.

I recently heard that the reason the rear brakes were wearing out so fast
was that the factory had set the cable on the emergency brake too tightly, and that there was a technical service bulletin issued to local dealership service departments to reset the cable to the proper tension.

This is upsetting, because, the lease on the car expires in just a few
months. My dealer says if we can show that there was a bulletin or notice issued, they may contribute to the cost of the brake job.

Therefore, does ANYBODY know if there was such a bulletin, and if so,
WHAT'S THE NUMBER AND DATE?

Thanks for any and all input.

EdN

> At 15K, we had to replace the REAR pads and rotors.

Pads I understand and pretty normal for the S/V40's, but why the rotors?? Did you go metal-to-metal with the pads?

I never replace rotors unless they are damaged or go below the minimum thickness that's allowed.

Newer pads that are now sold by Volvo do last a lot longer in my experience.

Bye, Arno.

Although I've heard that rumor before too, it's my opinion that the real cause of X40 pre-mature rear brake pad wear is due to the fact that the rear pads simply fit too tight and thus easily rust, causing them to stick rather than move freely with brakes released. A similar problem also can occur in 850 and X70 rear brakes with a little rust, the pads rust in place.
You'll never see it in writing as my method's "unscientic" but we grind some material from the new pads edges so that they fit better (looser) in the rear calipers. We then use anti-sieze on those sliding surfaces. To date we're not seeing problems with those cars and I believe their rear pads are now lasting longer than the previous 15K miles.
I havent yet de-adjusted any X40 emergency brake cables for pre-mature rear.