Slipping handbrake

Brakepads, discs, handbrake. The brakes are crucial for your Volvo 480. Use this category to learn all you need to know!

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xrs
480 Newbie
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Joined: Thu Apr 15, 2004 6:16 pm

Slipping handbrake

Post by xrs » Mon Jan 10, 2005 8:16 pm

Every few months my hand brake needs re-adjusting as it keeps slipping.
Is this a common fault on older models and does anyone know if there is a permenant solution that will sort it out once and for all? (ie:new parts or modifications to the adjustment mechanism)
Any info much appreciated,
Chris
oldtimer
1987 480es

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rpruen
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Post by rpruen » Mon Jan 10, 2005 8:28 pm

I thought that was just normal for the 480?

Maybe it could be fixed with new rear calipers, but I'm not sure about that.

Richard
Car Status: Squashed :(
Now have 765 GLE 2.8 V6

mogge
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Post by mogge » Tue Jan 11, 2005 10:01 am

Hi!

As Richard said, its probably the calipers (rust)

(where do you adjust? On the cable or on the calipper?)

But before you change them, check the cables. When operating the handbrake the levers on the calippers must retract fully or you will loose some of the self adjustment.

/Jonas
Engineer

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chris1roll
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Post by chris1roll » Tue Jan 11, 2005 6:10 pm

seems to be a common fault, although mine is fine and its just about to turn 16.
2001 V70 XC 2.5T
1989 744 GL Auto

xrs
480 Newbie
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Joined: Thu Apr 15, 2004 6:16 pm

Post by xrs » Thu Jan 13, 2005 6:10 pm

Thanks for the info re rusty calipers , your probably right as nothing has ever been replaced since '87 on the braking mechanism.I'll inspect the whole lot more carefully this time round.
Any of you guys know the cost/part numbers of a replacement caliper and cable set and if they are still availible and from whom?or is it just another trip to the volvo dealership?

Chris.
oldtimer
1987 480es

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Murf
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Post by Murf » Thu Jan 13, 2005 7:39 pm

replacement caliper and cable set
there are 3 parts to the handbrake cable, a front section and two rear section. rear sections are about £35 each and the front section is about £25. its prob just the rear sections you need.
calipers? dont even ask the price for new ones!! you can get exchange reconditioned calipers from volvo but even they wont be cheap. i asked about exchange reconditioned caliper backplates once andthey were over £80 each :shock: :(

PS, i found out these prices the hard way by having to replace all my stuff as well!!
Kia Pro'ceed GT 1.6 Turbo
1992 480 Turbo
2007 Focus ST

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chris1roll
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Post by chris1roll » Thu Jan 13, 2005 7:53 pm

exchange caliper from volvo was £130, that was before i built up my multitude of spares.
2001 V70 XC 2.5T
1989 744 GL Auto

xrs
480 Newbie
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Joined: Thu Apr 15, 2004 6:16 pm

Post by xrs » Fri Jan 14, 2005 10:01 pm

Thanks for that,it gives me a ball park figure to start saving for,meanwhile i'll try and avoid nasty hill starts!!!
oldtimer
1987 480es

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chris1roll
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Post by chris1roll » Fri Jan 14, 2005 10:21 pm

Where abouts are you mate? might have one you can have for a small sum.
2001 V70 XC 2.5T
1989 744 GL Auto

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felyx
Advanced 480 rookie
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Joined: Fri Nov 05, 2004 8:13 pm
Location: BRIZZTOL

hand brake adjuster

Post by felyx » Sun Jan 16, 2005 10:47 am

Hi the hand brake pad adjuster is behind an allun key cap which is 7mm size and then inside that there is a 5mm sunken adjuster wind it all the way out to release the caliper piston , or wind it in with the handbrake lever off (in the car) and keep spinning the disc until it bites , then back it off a little and thats it, this is much more effective than tighten the 13 mm adjuster under the belly of the car as the max movement on the the caliper lever can be reached and the caliper will still do nothing as the the caliper has not been wound in, just solved my knackered brakes this way so the back of the car is'nt chasing the front under heavy braking.

cheers Felyx.

wishbone bushes next weekend oh joy, also handbrake cables are £24 plus vat from gsf
140mph for £175 just test the brakes

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