How to Replace the Rear Brakes on a 2002 Volvo S40

The rear brakes on your 2002 Volvo S40 usually last longer than the front brakes, because front brakes do most of the work in bringing the vehicle to a stop. The rear pads will eventually wear out and require replacement. Symptoms of worn rear brakes include metallic grinding or squealing noises from the rear wheels. If the rear brakes are not replaced in time, the worn pads can damage the rotor and other brake hardware. Replacing the rear brakes takes 30 minutes to complete in ideal conditions.

Instructions

1

Park the S40 on a level surface. Loosen the wheel lugs on the rear wheels with the lug wrench.

2

Use the floor jack to lift the rear of the vehicle from the ground. Stabilize the vehicle with jack stands placed underneath the S40's rear jack points.

3

Remove the loosened wheel lugs from the wheel. Remove the wheel from the hub to reveal the brake hardware.

4

Use a ratchet and socket to remove the two retaining bolts at the back of the brake caliper. Lift the caliper off of the rotor and detach the brake pads from the caliper. Suspend the caliper from the the car with mechanic's wire.

5

Use brake cleaner to remove any dirt and grime from the caliper. Twist the piston inside of the brake caliper housing with the brake piston retraction tool.

6

Attach the wear indicator to the bottom of the inner brake pad. Insert the brake pads inside the caliper and lower the caliper over the rotor. Reinsert the retaining bolts into the caliper and tighten them with the ratchet and socket. Repeat the procedure for the other side.

7

Mount the wheel onto the hub and reattach the wheel lugs. Hand-tighten the lugs before lowering the vehicle to the ground.

8

Remove the jack stands and lower the vehicle with the floor jack. Tighten the wheel lugs using the lug wrench.