How to Repair the Disc Brake on a Volvo

The disc brakes on the Volvo are not hard to repair. You can save a great deal of money changing the brakes yourself, because labor rates are high at the repair garages. It will only take about 45 minutes to complete each wheel. When you are changing the brake pads, inspect the brake rotor for damage, such as grooves from the brake pads, cracking, or any other type of damage. When you change brakes, you need to do all brakes on an axle.

Instructions

1

Open the engine compartment, and lift the cover from the reservoir of the master cylinder on the driver side. It will be at the back firewall. Siphon enough brake fluid from it with the turkey baster to bring it down to the minimum level. Place the fluid in the drain pan for recycling.

2

Place the wheel chocks behind the rear wheels. Raise the Volvo with the automobile jack. Place a jack stand under the car near the jacking point, and raise it to the frame. Remove the lug nuts with the lug wrench, and pull the wheel from the car.

3

Remove the retaining spring from the brake pads using the pliers. Remove the caliper retaining pins with the socket and ratchet. Pull the caliper from the cradle and remove the old brake pads.

4

Push the caliper piston into the housing using the piston tool. Insert the new brake pads in the caliper, and place it back in the cradle. Tighten the bolts with the socket and ratchet.

5

Put the wheel on the Volvo and tighten the lug nuts with the lug wrench. Remove the jack stand from under the car. Lower the Volvo to the ground.

6

Repeat the process on the other wheel.