The brakes need to be replaced on my wife's 2005 XC-90 (2.5T AWD -70K). I thought they were in good shape after the tire shop told me that they have "A lot of life left", and a week later the brakes are metal on metal (On the DS Front).I have already ordered new rotors and pads for all four wheels. The problem I have is, over the weekend I started taking the front brakes apart. The PS front came off ok (I removed the wheel, then removed that CRAZY spring, and then unscrewed the 2-18 mm bolts on the back of the spindle). So the PS is all the way apart. The DS is where I ran into trouble. I tried breaking the 18mm bolts with a normal socket with the help of a cheater bar...I mean the things won't move. I put my impact on it and the bottom bolt head rounded off. Crap![:@] Not what I wanted to happen.

My question is, do you have to remove the 2-18mm bolts to replace the rotors and pads or am I going about this in the wrong way. If this is the only way, does anyone have any suggestions on what to do now with the rounded bolt? Also, do you have to use the Volvo pink grease when installing new pads?

I am new to the Volvo world, so any help would be appreciated.

 

Hi Tech, is there any info you can provide to ginn68 on his brake question?

I'm curious as well, b/c I need to tackle front (and rear?) brakes on the XC90 (18" wheels) in the next month or so, based on the mileage alone, so am curious what challenges I may need to be ready for

 

sorry for the ignorance but is that in miles or km?

 

Were you using a 6 point socket?

If all else fails try hammering on a 6 point 17MM impact socket and see if you can get it off that way.

Yes they need to come off to replace the rotors. If you were only doing the pads no it doesn't need to come off.

If you can get the 17MM hammered on use a breaker bar and make sure the socket stays straight.

 

Tech, Thanks for the help. I will try this tonight. What kind of socket do you prefer to use? Also, so you use the pad grease when installing the new pads?

The distance is in miles not KM.

Thanks everyone!
MG

 

Tech,

When compressing the caliper pistons back in, do you open the bleeders?

Also, IF the Bracket bolts don't want to turn, is it a good idea to use some heat on it?

Thank you.