help - i've just had new brake pads installed on all 4's and after driving for 200 miles, a vibrating noise started, when brakes applied and close to stopping. It's best described as a noise like another car near you, that has the bass really loud. Sounds like it comes from the back, so a mechanic smoothed down the pads; a temporary fix, but again, after the car had been driven for about 30 min's, the noise started again, when stopping. A 2nd trip to the mechanic resulted in new pads being installed on the rear yesterday, but to no avail. Any suggestions? Maybe the muffler?...i've not hit any potholes...thanks.

 

You need to put the half shims in the back. Very common problem. Go to a Volvo dealer and tell them you want the half shims for the rear on an 850 and they will know what you are talking about. Then get the mechanic to install them and the bass sound will go away. Trust me I know what I'm talking about on this. Drove me crazy until I found the half shims. Shouldn't cost more that $5.00 to fix. Just make sure the mechanic gets them in the right direction. They have an arrow on them.

 

thanks, will do it...fingers crossed!

 

hey, SuperMod - by the time I got your message and called the mechanic, he had filed down the rotors; I called the local Volvo store, but have not heard back from them. Will try again, but do you think more damage has been done by their "solution"? BTW - I took the car out and once warmed up, the noise is back...not as bad, though. Thanks.

 

Here are the shims I'm talking about for $6.00:

http://www.fcpgroton.com/product-exe...ategory_id/233

Volvo does not recommend turning the rotors which I assume that's what you mean by filing them down. I would replace the rotors. I would use these for $47 each:

http://www.fcpgroton.com/product-exe...category_id/53

No problem at all with OEM rotors either. I would also make sure he used OEM pads. If not you will probably get squealing noise within 5,000 miles. There are other very good pads though, but they will probably cost as much if not more than OEM (Original Equipment Manufactured).

Your mechanic will probably not like my recommendations. But at least try the half shims.