I have a '94 940 wagon, stock w/brakes that feel soft (compared to 240 brakes-we have a few of those in the fleet..) The shoes on the 940 are "lifetime" high metallic, the rotors are out of true (they shake when brakes are applied), I haven't replaced them, since the car always stops. My spouse is starting a new job which requires a commute in not very good traffic. Will it help to change out rotors, go to different brake pads, etc. to get a quicker response from the pedal? I'll spend whatever it takes, if I can make her feel and be safer...
any advice or tech assist is welcomed...
Thanks,
Peter
If you havent flushed your brake system with fresh fluid, it might be a good time for that. A spongy pedal can sometimes be attributed to bad brake fluid. I am personally always very skeptical when someone tries to sell me "lifetime" brake pads. Do you know what brand they are or where you got them?
May be best to let a Volvo-only dealer put the brakes in perfect stock condition with Volvo parts to include a full flush of the entire system and a correct bleed. This comes with a full warranty also. Once the new brakes are on be sure to perform the required "brake"-in procedure per the competent Volvo tech. Once the system is working firm and fine test the ABS in an empty parking lot (no need for high speed) by driving straight ahead about 40mph then rapidly depressing and holding the brake pedal VERY hard. Listen for the ABS sensor activating. You may feel some pedal pulsing and steering wheel movement. The car should stop straight with no lock-up of any wheel. If not get the ABS fixed (very$$$!)
The Volvo dealer now has a month's building lease paid but your wife has a safe stop when needed.
May be best to let a Volvo-only dealer put the brakes in perfect stock condition with Volvo parts to include a full flush of the entire system and a correct bleed.
This is good advice. http://********************/smile/emthup.gif Use the oem good stuff!
Alas, the pads, rotors, etc. came w/ the car, so I don't know who the manufacturer is, nor do I know the type of pad, etc. I do have a good shop, and they have checked the system and found everything to be acceptable. The $$ tallies with my mechanic's opinion, which was that the brakes are OK, but if I want significant improvement, it would require significant $. Thanks for the feedback. Your advice all makes sense, and is probably overdue!
Peter
Good quality brake pads
Flush/bleed fluid
Maybe some new ATE PowerDisc rotors (with the 'Atomic' grooves)
Stainless steel flex hoses (or at least new rubber hoses)
IMHO, the sliding caliper design used on the 7/9 series never felt quite as solid underfoot as the fixed calipers on the 240s, but there is plenty of braking power there.
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