I have an 01 S60 and had posted earlier about my brakes going spongy. I had the brake fluid flushed and that improved things a bit. The problem now is that the brakes feel different from day to day -- soft one day and firm the next. I hate the whole guessing thing every time I brake. The difference can be quite extreme at times.

Over the last two days, the brakes have been nice and firm...the way they should be on an S60...BUT, there is a noticeable burning smell (like rubber) coming from the rear driver side tire....Im a bit worried, could the brakes and the burning smell be connected to the same problem? Could it be the calipers seizing at times? How can I check?

Thanks as always for any ideas!

 

Not sure if they are related.

Jack up the rear and spin the tires and see if they are hanging up.

 

The tires seem to spin freely when on a jack.

Two observations that might help generate some ideas

1. The brakes start out fine every morning and only get soft after prolonged driving...2hrs or so of hiway and stop and go driving. They stay spongy until the next morning.

2. The other night, everytime i tapped the brakes with the car in park (was waiting for it to warm up) I heard a clicking sound coming from under the gear shifter...it clicked everytime I pressed and then let go of the brake pedal with the car in park?

When the brakes go soft I think i can hear a slight click when I press them.

This is freaking me out and I will take it in to the dealer but would really appreciate any thoughts....thanks

ps
Brake fluid level is fine. Rear pads and rotors are probably due now

 

One it might be due to needing the rear pads and rotors if they are low.

2.The is the shiftlock soleniond clicking to make it come out of park.