Hey folks,

I have a bit of a problem that the dealer can't find, it is stopping problems with my 02 C70. With just normal driving from time to time on stopping the brakes just don't seem to work as well. I've taken it to the dealer and of course there are no codes for the braking system which means all is well right?? Not.

Well this finally caused a problem for my wife who drives an 04 XC70, on a sunny day she took my C70 with the top down, three cars in front of her wrecked and when she hit the brakes the car just did not stop anywhere near as well as her cross country.

$7000.00 worth of damage later the dealer again claims there is nothing wrong with the brakes. Funny that the brakes worked great on part of the drive home then at one stop sign seemed to fade again. Nothing wrong !? Frankly that's crap; it's been in several times for the problem they just can't find it, that does not mean the problem is not there.

Can anyone help out? I love the car other than this problem, but I will not keep it if it's unsafe. Where's my Volvo safety??

I have been the proud owner of a dozen Volvos in the last 26 years and this is the first Volvo I’ve had with brake problems.

If it requires a upgrade of the brake system I’ll be looking for the best. Any suggestions will be helpful.

Thanks much

Ed

"Life's journey is not to arrive at the grave safely in a well preserved body, but rather to skid in sideways, totally worn out, shouting "...holy ****...what a ride!"

2004 XC70
2002 C70 ragtop
1969 142s (the baby)

 

What exactly happens when it doesn't want to stop?

Does the pedal fade to the floor?

Is the pedal very hard to push like the old cars without power brakes?

 

The pedal feels hard as it the vacuum booster has failed, however even applying more pressure to the pedal at that point does not feel right (I lift 600 lbs with my legs so plenty of pressure) I've also had to stop with car without the engine running in the past and that was easier to stop than this.

If it was a Vacuum booster failure it should fire a code.

Ed

 

It won't always set a code.

You might want to try replacing the Valve for the vacum line first if not then it might be the booster.They are known to tear a little inside the car and develop a vaccum leak.Also make sure the hose isn't collapsing.

 

I am new to this forum and just doing a little reading -- but my 2004 C70 has done this identicle thing (about 3 times since I bought it last year). I hit the brakes and the peddle only depresses about 1/2 an inch and feels like you are pressing on the sidewalk.....cuz she ain't budging. Then for a few seconds it kinda goes in another 1/8 of an inch (or so) in sudden drops and you can feel it kind of clicking as it does. Luckily enough it never caused a problem for me as the car did stop -- I never thought that it didn't respond as it should have so I never said anything to the dealership. Now I just might.