My emergency brake on my 1998 XC V70 does not work. The cable under the brake handle is tight. When I pull the handle up all the wayit does notengage any brakes.

Any info on how to fix thiswould be very helpful. Also what would be the approximate cost to fix?

Thank You,

Walter

 

If the handle comes up all the waythe cablemay just need adjustment. Inside thecenter console there is a little panel. Take that out and tighten the adjuster with a T-50 wrench. If you get some braking then things are probably working but youmay need to turn the star-wheel adjusters at the rear wheels. Theadjustersare accessiblethrough one ofthe lug nut holes. If the handle is very stiff but no braking, thenthe brake shoes may be worn out or corrosionmay haveseized up one or more of the components. Take the rear rotors off and take a look at the ebrake shoes, the adjusters, and the expander link that the cable attaches to. Make sure they are all free. Ifeverything isok but nothing moves when thehand brakeis set, thenit isthe brake cables themselves. The cable outer sheaths are prone to breaking andallowing water to get in and seize the cables. You may see breakage right where the cable enters the rear wheel. The cables can be replaced fairly easily but its a pain - the center console must be removed and also there is a clip underneath the rug in the rear foot area, so that must be accessed. The dealer lists each brake cable at $65. Having just gone through all this myself on a 98 XC70, I would recommend that you forget the ebrake entirely and justshift intoPark.