Hello! I have been interested in Volvo for a long while and finally bit the bullet and bought one! Its a 1995 850 Sedan with 70000 original miles on it. I am now the second owner! The maintenance book shows the previous owner had it serviced at each interval up to 60k miles, stamped by a local dealership. The car overall is really immaculate, clearly garage kept. It has one issue that I have found. The front passenger side brake is not engaging. All other wheels are braking just fine. The master cylinder was replaced by the dealership I purchased it from, but it didn't seem to fix the issue, so they knocked the price down. What could the cause be? On another note the timing belt was replaced in 2006 at 50 odd thousand miles. I know the interval is 70k but should it be changed due to age? Thank you!

 

A sticking brake caliper piston would be the first thing to check.
Change the timing belt and tensioners as soon as possible, if it snaps your engine will be ruined.
Also check the water pump for leaks or play, if all ok there should be no requirement to change it as they are well made.


This is my 1997 850 GLT with only 60,200 miles on the clock

 

I would replace the timing belt for sure. It is the lifeline of your engine and with the age, you are better off replacing it and doing the water pump and associated pulleys and tensioners too.

For the brake, grab a friend, crack the bleeder slightly and press the pedal to ensure fluid pressure is getting to the caliper. If the caliper is getting pressure but not moving, maybe it is seized somewhere, bad guide pins, etc. Not related to the front brake issue but, inspect the rear calipers where the pins go, these areas are prone to rusting and rotting out and if the pin isn't properly secure, the brakes can fail. I had an 850 where the hole for the pins were rotting and the pins were held in by a hope and a prayer.

 

Thank you both for the info! That wagon is beautiful! Its forecasted for rain for the next few days so when I get a nice day I will get the tire off and check it out. I have a local mechanic that is a Volvo nut who I can take it to and have it inspected. I'm afraid to attempt the timing belt myself, Id hate to get it wrong!