Just removed the left rear rotor from my 1991 Volvo 240 sedan and found a braking system that fits inside the rotor. This system looks like a traditional brake pad set-up. What is this used for?

 

That would be your emergency brakes...connected to the handle between the front seats.

 

My e-brake is barely making contact. I looked up how to tighten the cable and it looked like a fairly easy job. Anyone done that (tightened it up)? If you have, any tips?

 

it is super easy
just pop the rear ashtray out
and righty tighty on the bolt inside
i would put the handle where you want it
and start adjusting until it is good
hope it is just that easy for you
Les

 

HA, it's too bad that every fix isn't that easy. Thanks Les. I thought I had a good way to go at it, bit it involved taking the tires off and doing some other stuff. Righty tighty on a bolt is the way to go.

 

New question about the braking system.

I was able to squeeze the caliper pistons down in the back inside pistons finally with the help of a C-clamp. After changing the inside pads, I took it for a quick spin to make sure that everything was working alright. Everything seemed normal until I got back to my house and stepped out of the car. Right away I could smell something. There was a-lot of heat coming from the rear wheels.

I let it all cool down and took it for another small drive, the brakes in the back seem to be catching just a little bit all the time. BUT the squealing noise that was coming from the back is now gone.
1. Is this normal for new pads?
2. Are my rear inside pistons frozen?
3. Any suggestions or solutions?

4. Thanks.