My 2002 s40 has a hard brake peddle until I drive it for a few minutes and use the brakes a few times. I have another s40 i swapped out the (Brake Booster Vacuum Hose (w/ Check Valve) also the Vacuum Pump. It got a little better but I want my Son to start driving it. But need to sort out the hard peddle.
Anyone have any wisdom on this one? Thanks!!

 

do you hear the vacuum pump cycle on when you start up cold?

 

Yes, it runs for about 4 to 5 seconds. I also hear it turn on every time I push and let off the peddle. I can shut off the car and 1 hour later pull off Vacuum check valve from booster and it hold a vacuum. I ran out of ideas, fairly new to Volvo.

 

nothing special about Volvos vs other cars here... just a 15 year old car. The typical issues can be the vacuum lines to the booster, a leaky booster (any hissing when you press the brakes?), sticky calipers or a sticky valve in the ABS (I had to replace the ABS on my 00 S40 when a valve stuck not sending fluid to one wheel/locking the other).

 

I do not hear a hissing, I tried calipers, pump, and check valve with the vacuum lines from another car I have. Not much better, when I test drive it i can tell both front calipers have the same heat coming from them, also the back are the same temperature. I have to start the car and let it warm up and pump the brakes kinda hard a few times and they seem to be OK. I'm just trying to get it right for my 16 year old son to drive.