Brake pads

The_Conductor

Hi-

Driving a Volvo V40 and I seem to going through a shocking number of rear brake pads and shoes (front ones seem to last at least twice as long).

I get 12-15k per set from the rear- which in my opinion is very very low. Is this normal?

S.

Tea drinker

smccarrick wrote: »

Hi-

Driving a Volvo V40 and I seem to going through a shocking number of rear brake pads and shoes (front ones seem to last at least twice as long).

I get 12-15k per set from the rear- which in my opinion is very very low. Is this normal?

S.

I think it's very low too... handrake adjustment or self adjuster mechanism fault? Front brakes partially seized or glazed (so rears get overworked)
Did you change the discs too? if they are warped or scored to crap then that won't help either.
Did you just get excited when you typed rear pads AND shoes??? :P

The_Conductor

Lol- I wish.....

Seriously though- I've just spent the last 2 hours on google- looks like its a known problem with V40s At least I haven't any of the other problems that keep getting reported (broken struts, shoddy electrics and other misc crap).

I guess I'll keep buying pads and shoes

BDW

How do you find the vehicle acts under heavy braking? does the back get wobbly or does it stop dead straight also do the brakes feel weaker than you would expect under hard braking?.

could be some internal brake fluid flow issue to the front brakes causing the back brakes to take up the work. I'm not familiar with the brakes system in the v40 but with most vehicles the rear brakes aren't designed to constantly take more than 40% of the total brake load.

The_Conductor

Heavy breaking is fine- there is no noticeable draw on either side- its dead straight.

What does happen- when you put the hand brake on- there is a scratchy screechy noise as though the brake has trouble disengaging from the wheels (rear only). You can get a 'scratchy noise' for want of a better way of putting it- if you gently tap the brake while moving- but when you press it more firmly- its not an issue.

BDW

Sounds like something is a little to tight then, best advice I can give is get a decent mechanic to take a look at it, chances are it's something small and to get it sorted now should save money on pads in the long run.

TURRICAN

is it pads or shoes on the back.
pads =disc
shoes=drum

Tea drinker

My brakes were crap after the last cold snap - too much salt. Got it powerwashed and all was well.
Cheapest and quickest brake job yet.

The_Conductor

TURRICAN wrote: »

is it pads or shoes on the back.
pads =disc
shoes=drum

Pads on rear, shoes on front.

TURRICAN

you must drive in reverse so lol;)
get your shoes checked for a lip on the inside of the drum,should not be to deep maybe 2mm.check pistons for leaking fluids,check all springs and adjusters.check tension on handbrake lever cables.check wheel bearings for play.not much more to check after that.
if it is a problem with volvo they should have had a recall and maybe have a modified part to be replaced.
hope that helps

crosstownk

Duplicate post.

crosstownk

smccarrick wrote: »

Pads on rear, shoes on front.

The opposite is true.

There may be a problem with a device called a 'brake pressure regulator'. It apportions brake effort dependent on load - the more the car tilts forward the less braking effort is applied to the rear brakes.

I'm not 100% sure if such a device is fitted to a Volvo but it is fitted to many other makes & models and quite common in models without ABS.

In any event, you have a problem with your brakes and it is highly recommended that you have it rectified ASAP.

The_Conductor

crosstownk wrote: »

The opposite is true.

There may be a problem with a device called a 'brake pressure regulator'. It apportions brake effort dependent on load - the more the car tilts forward the less braking effort is applied to the rear brakes.

I'm not 100% sure if such a device is fitted to a Volvo but it is fitted to many other makes & models and quite common in models without ABS.

In any event, you have a problem with your brakes and it is highly recommended that you have it rectified ASAP.

Well, I have ABS- so I don't have the brake pressure regulator.
I just rang our mechanic- he said he noticed the pads wearing down that they're wearing in a similar manner on my brother's V40 and he has them in the workshop whenever I can leave the car down to Clane.

It really most noticeable when moving off from a cold start with the handbrake just having been on- there is a jutter as though the brake hasn't disengaged properly, followed by a metalic screeching noise for a second or two.

Am getting paid this week- so will leave it down then......

Thanks for all the help guys.

Shane