S60 handbrake adjustment?

[Pixel-Snapper]

Pulling upto a set of lights this morning on a fairly steep incline I applyed the handbrake. The lever clicked almost all the way upto my arm pit and would only just hold the car. Now the bite used to come on with 2-3 clicks so I thought that it might just be stretch and need adjusting.

However somewhat alarming I've just found these threads while looking how to adjust the lever!!!!!!!

http://www.volvoforums.org.uk/showthread.php?t=119...

http://www.volvoforums.org.uk/showthread.php?t=130...

Could this be the same problem I'm experiencing and should I need to get it checked out ASAP?

I now feel alittle paranoid......

[Pixel-Snapper]

Booked in with my machanic on friday to have a look at the brake shoes.

Fingers crossed it does just need adjusting or that if it is this problem i've caught it in time.

[Rockatansky]

For peace of mind I'd pop the rear discs off and give the handbrake a visual inspection. If it goes it'll be an expensive PITA.

FWIW my V70 has a pretty poor handbrake (just as you describe) and there is nothing amiss in the rear end at all (oo-er Mrs).

I have today (not 10 minutes ago) received the parts from Volvo to retrofit adjusters to the handbrake shoes in an effort to tighten things up, although it may end up being a cable thats goosed.

[Pixel-Snapper]

Yep going to get them looked at Friday would do it myself but havnt really got time.

He said it could be one of 3 things.

1, just needs adjusting

2, broken handbrake cable

3, foobar shoes and need replacing

[Petrolhead_Rich]

I had this done to mine by the dealer before picking it up, to be honest the handbrake still comes up to my armpit most of the time!

[Tunku]

My 2001 V70 came pretty close to this. Luckily I checked it out. Once I fixed it, the bloody caliper decided to seize on the motorway, and melted the new shoes and pads. Replaced the brakes, all of them, the disk and the caliper. All good for one day, then the opposite side caliper seized. The new caliper, disk etc. arrived today. Guess what I'm doing tomorrow.
The most important thing when fixing this, is getting new brake shoe locating springs, and taking your time getting them in right, or you will find the brake shoes for the handbrake drop and start causing problems.

Next problem for me is figuring out why the 'engine emission service required' message comes up with an orange warning exclamation mark every three engine starts.

[Pixel-Snapper]

Just popped into the garage to see how the guys are getting on. Low and behold there sits the brake shoe linings and the metal carrier on the floor not joined together....! My mechanic said that it was lucky that they didn't destroy the hub aswell.

Looks like I caught it in the nick of time! 60 notes fitted I think I got off lightly.

[pmjg66]

Pixel-Snapper said:

Just popped into the garage to see how the guys are getting on. Low and behold there sits the brake shoe linings and the metal carrier on the floor not joined together....! My mechanic said that it was lucky that they didn't destroy the hub aswell.

Looks like I caught it in the nick of time! 60 notes fitted I think I got off lightly.

common fault and great price fitted.

[Tunku]

Pixel-Snapper said:

Just popped into the garage to see how the guys are getting on. Low and behold there sits the brake shoe linings and the metal carrier on the floor not joined together....! My mechanic said that it was lucky that they didn't destroy the hub aswell.

Looks like I caught it in the nick of time! 60 notes fitted I think I got off lightly.

Great result! Lucky too!

[Fartgalen]

Those rear drum shoes always fail. Don't even think about removing the rear disc/drum without buying new shoes.