Hey guys, so I'm not a volvo owner YET. I'm in the process of getting a 96 850. the guy wants $1000 for it, but I talked him down to $700. Just a few questions about it. I know volvos are great for mileage and last forever, I'm looking for something just for this winter, so having 400,000km on it, it should last a little while still right? The body is in great shape, comes with snows and roof rack. He said the parking break is gone on it and was wondering if it's a cheap/easy fix in CDN $$$. thanks for looking!

 

The parking brake is fairly simple. Each side has a cable and the parking brake shoes. The cables cost around $40 USD each and a full set of shoes costs under $50. The shoes are fitted inside of the rear brake disk and the cables come in under the rear seat and travel under the carpet to the parking brake lever. Check places like FCP Groton or eEuroparts for shipping to Canada.

...Lee

 

So, looking around $200CDN to do them all around? I'm not an expert on vehicles, but competent enough to do brakes. Are they easy to install on your own?

 

There are two major problems with the question you ask.
How easy is it ?? Depends on your skill level and the amount of tools you have.
How much will it cost ?? You haven't even seen it yet so really how can you expect someone to estimate what it will cost.

You should give some background like if you've ever done disc or drum brakes on a vehicle before.
Don't trust the owner. He/She may be a nice person but that doesn't mean they have a clue what's wrong or that they wouldn't lie about something to get a better price.
As for what's wrong and what it might cost, it might only need an adjustment. If you do have to get shoes I'd recommend getting the hold down kit also as it tends to rust out.
The shoes can be purchased at any auto parts store, orielly has them for $25.99 and I purchased mine at Autozone list $80.99 but brought in a print of the orielly price and they matched it. Autozone had them on hand at the time.
I can only find the hardware kit at FCP part #18.720 for $14.95
These are the two likely parts you'll need. There is a chance the surface for the brake shoes is shot and the disc would need to be turned or replaced but discs are easy to source and once you get your hands on it you can try the brake handle and that might let you feel if the cables are good.

If you look closely at the last picture you'll notice there is no material on the backing plate. Mine had rusted under the material and the material had separated from the shoe.

 

Thanks so much!

 

Heck, with an 850... the parking brake is the least of your worries. Look over the Buyer's Guide in the DIY - Hot Topic thread.