Lately i have had an occasional issue with the brakes on my car. When I step on the brakes, the pedal feels really hard, and it feels as if the car isnt gonna stop. Other times, it stops just fine. It's never a matter of having to pump the brakes - the pedal just seems really hard. Anyone have any clue what might be the problem?

 

I would bleed the brakes before I would look into the Master.

 

Brakes were just bled about 400 miles ago. I was thinking master cylinder too but wanted other opinions. I was guessing it might be the master cylinder or the brake booster.

 

intermediate vacuum leak maybe? I dunno if Volvo's use vacuum for power brakes or not just a suggestion.

 

My guess would be the brake booster.

 

My bet it is the hose from the inlet manifold tree (brass elbow)to the brake booster, the hose sucks in on itself and stop the vacuum to the brake booster. Both mine and my brothers suffered this, 2 x 850 T5r's. Make sure you replace the hose, it is in two pieces.

 

does it have that ABS push back feel?

 

Matty: not sure what you mean. There's no pulsation, no ABS light on, and no codes. I'll check the line tomorrow...I'm hoping it's a hose.

 

Hose is simple enough the check. The 2nd possibility is booster's rear seal (on the firewall side).

 

x2 check for vacuum leak at booster lookfor a cracked hose