hi there, brakes on the 850 have been feeling soft for the whole year ive had it and didnt really think much of it until others started driving it and said they were scared of the brakes. also driving down steep hills in death valley was scary. down steep hills the brakes pulse really hard and dont feel the most effective, but dont feel like they are gonna give up. figured it was abs engaging and the pads worn, but the pads are fine. and the rotors look ok too. so bled the brakes and did it with a friend till new fluid was coming through saw no bubbles and the brakes dont feel any different, they feel stiff when the car is of, but so soft and spongy when its running. im not really sure what it is, and its so frustrating to bleed the brakes and nothing really come of it.

thnaks

 

Could be a vacuum issue with the booster? The 850 have a set way you have to bleed the brakes, as in you must do a certain wheel first.....I cannot remember the order though.

 

Volvo 850 brake system service repair manual

Did you use DOT 4 brake fluid?