7 replies to this topic

[bob850]

The front brakes (I think it's the front) squeal, but only just before I reach a total stop. So if I start braking at 30mph, then don't squeal until just before I'm stopped. They also squeal if I'm stopped (in drive) and then creep forward.

I know this a common problem on volvos, just don't know the cure. The front rotors, calipers, & pads were replaced about 10K miles ago by the previous owner and by a reputable shop. The pads seem to have plenty of life left.

I believe the rear pads were replaced not too long ago. I guess it could be the back ones squeling, just sounds like the front to me.

It's a '97 850 GLT Wagon.

Any ideas?

[theunderlord]

The front brakes (I think it's the front) squeal, but only just before I reach a total stop.  So if I start braking at 30mph, then don't squeal until just before I'm stopped.  They also squeal if I'm stopped (in drive) and then creep forward.

I know this a common problem on volvos, just don't know the cure.  The front rotors, calipers, & pads were replaced about 10K miles ago by the previous owner and by a reputable shop.  The pads seem to have plenty of life left.

I believe the rear pads were replaced not too long ago.  I guess it could be the back ones squeling, just sounds like the front to me.

It's a '97 850 GLT Wagon.

Any ideas?

iPD braking stuff.

try the shims and the pad lubricant.

[Frink1234]

Just last week I took my '97 850 in because the brakes were really sqealing. I had the front brakes completely replaced (cost $500 at Volvo dealer) and guess what - they still squeal! Not as bad, but like you said, just before coming to a stop, usually at about 5 - 15 mph, they squeal. It definitely sounds like the front. I called the dealer and they said it is common but that iit shpuld stop and if it didn't to bring it back in.

[James A Sousa]

If you have at least one friend, you should be able to identify which brakes are squealing! If you have a car load, you can check all four at once.

See the repairs section and do a search to check on the NUMEROUS posts on brake noise. Investigate rear brake shims as well. this site really covers brakes.

Volvo pads and proper installation solves most brake noises on our bricks.

If you look at my signature, you can imagine that I have seen a bunch of brake jobs, and NEVER a squeal.

[kinetic]

I had this same problem-turned out that the shims were reused from the previous brake job and lost their adherence to the pad. If the shims were reused, I would replace the pads with new self adhesive shims. OEM's come with shims as well as the new improved "Noise Solutions" brand of (semi-metallics) that Checker Auto nows sells. These pads used to have heavier metal content, now their semi's have much reduced (very little) metal which is there only to score the rotors and prevent glazing. You can also go to a ceramic pad which is very quiet and offers no dust.

[bob850]

Just a follow up...

I tried greasing and reassembling the rear brakes. Worked for about two days. I think the problem was that the "built in shim material" on the volvo pad had partly worn away where the caliper piston makes contact with the pad.

So I got the cut-out shims from volvo and installed them. Seems to have permanently fixed the rear squeal problem. You guys were right.

[T5RBeast]

Just a follow up...

I tried greasing and reassembling the rear brakes.  Worked for about two days.  I think the problem was that the "built in shim material" on the volvo pad had partly worn away where the caliper piston makes contact with the pad.

So I got the cut-out shims from volvo and installed them.  Seems to have permanently fixed the rear squeal problem.  You guys were right.

Any idea where the cheapest place online is, to get the cut-out shims? Or can I just pick them up at any autoparts store?

Edited by T5RBeast, 23 February 2005 - 07:30 PM.

[bob850]

Just a follow up...

I tried greasing and reassembling the rear brakes.  Worked for about two days.  I think the problem was that the "built in shim material" on the volvo pad had partly worn away where the caliper piston makes contact with the pad.

So I got the cut-out shims from volvo and installed them.  Seems to have permanently fixed the rear squeal problem.  You guys were right.

Any idea where the cheapest place online is, to get the cut-out shims? Or can I just pick them up at any autoparts store?

As far as I know, they are only available from the dealer. I don't think they cost too much though, maybe $12, but I don't remember for sure. According to Bay13, you can just cut a set of regular shims yourself.