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Volvo S40 Brake Problems

9 messages,  Last post on Nov 05, 2009 at 7:41 AM

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What is this discussion about? Volvo S40, Brakes, Sedan

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#2 of 9 Re: Volvo S40: Brake Problem/Solution [mattsg] by mattsg Oct 19, 2006 (8:53 am)
Replying to: mattsg (Oct 13, 2006 5:54 am) Just an update... I've heard this a number of times now (and even mentioned it above):   "The problem IS the make-up of the pads themselves. Volvo knows of the issue and is working on a fix, but there isn't one yet. The problem shows itself primarily in the rear brakes when backing up, and the severity varies."   Has anybody come across this? I'm wondering if the pads from the Mazda 3 would work since the cars share the same platform and many underpinnings, or if they’re the same pads used on the S40.   Thanks! Replies to this message: lbiggie2 (Nov 01, 2006 11:31 am) mattsg (Nov 01, 2006 12:12 pm)
#3 of 9 Re: Volvo S40: Brake Problem/Solution [mattsg] by lbiggie2 Nov 01, 2006 (11:31 am)
Replying to: mattsg (Oct 19, 2006 8:53 am) I definitely had this happen to my S40 AWD. I had the car for a year and a half and it started squeaking before I even hit 800 miles. I brought the car in over 6 times for the problem to 2 different dealerships and they never managed to fix it. They changed the brake pads numerous times, lubed them up as well, changed the calipers, and eventually changed the whole braking system, including the rotors and it still didn't help. I also had some electrical problems so I contacted the manufacturer and they ended up buying the car back as a lemon. Replies to this message: mattsg (Nov 01, 2006 12:12 pm)
#4 of 9 Re: Volvo S40: Brake Problem/Solution [lbiggie2] by mattsg Nov 01, 2006 (12:12 pm)
Replying to: lbiggie2 (Nov 01, 2006 11:31 am) Hey, thanks for the reply! I literally just got back from dropping the car off at the dealership again. They have finally been able to determine that it IS the pads themselves that are causing the noise. It was an issue that was known previously, but was thought to have been taken care of for the ‘06’s. The thing that’s stumping them is that my car has the *improved* pads that have taken care of the problem in other cars, and that to me the noise seems to be coming from the rear brakes; where they’ve only seen it on the front (it of course rarely does it when they have the car). The dealer I contacted in S. FL when I was down at my parents said they’ve still got customers with the issue, so it’s obviously still lurking out there.   If this doesn’t do it, I’m looking into a set of aftermarket ceramic pads (providing it doesn’t void the warranty).   Other than the brake noise, the car has been bulletproof, so hopefully (knock on wood), I won’t get to your situation because I absolutely love my car.
#5 of 9 I too have brake problems and other issues by carscars2 Apr 19, 2007 (10:00 pm)
First off I have a 2004 S40 the back brakes are making a loud grinding noise just like all of yours and when I back up and brake it is horrible. It isn’t just embarrassing it is disgusting to think that one owns a high end luxury auto and has to deal with that noise. I don’t really care why it is doing it. I also took it to the dealership once and was not told why it is making the horrible noise.   I am taking it in again this Sat. for an oil change and again I will address the issue with them. I believe I am still under warrantee but I tell you right now, with the stupid issues I have had to deal with? I want to trade it in already! I have had it! I expect so much more from a Volvo!   Second of all, the radio sometimes doesn’t work. It is on but nothing can be heard, then I park it and later I go to drive it and the radio is working, the window to the driver side will go up and then down it will not stop in the up position, and then it will be fine. One day I got in put my seat belt on and the beep noise when you have the keys in the ignition came on and I drove like that till I got home and then parked it. The next time I went to drive the car; it didn’t do it any more.   Just about two days ago, I stopped at a mini mart, put it in park it was running and a co worker was in the car and told me that the air conditioning came on as soon as I got out of the car, by itself. She was a little taken back. So on and so on….I would think it would be a long process to declare this auto a lemon but that is what I think it is at this time. So instead of going through all that hassle I would rather go to the Mitsubishi dealer and trade it in. I have owned a Mitsubishi and never had all the problems that I have with this Volvo. Volvo let me down. They are not doing any thing about my car because they know it will be a matter of time when it will be out of warrantee and then they can start charging me good! Well? I was looking into Audi?   Bad idea! If you read the write ups in this site just about all the people that have had the A3 and all the problems they have had? Well lets just say I am not getting an Audi either. I am disgusted at the luxury manufacturers who think that the name speaks for itself and the quality can be ignored. Well? I guess I have to thank each and every one of you for sharing your experiences on this forum because we all work hard for our money and why should we give them away on poor quality? We disserve better, I disserve better don’t you?   Thanks! Replies to this message: mattsg (Apr 20, 2007 4:18 am)
#6 of 9 Re: I too have brake problems and other issues [carscars2] by mattsg Apr 20, 2007 (4:18 am)
Replying to: carscars2 (Apr 19, 2007 10:00 pm) Hello. I'm sorry to hear about the problems! They were finally able to figure out my brake issue. I have to commend my tech guy(s) at my dealership because they really went to bat to get it figured out.   The issue itself does stem from the pads themselves. There was a tech notice on them when the redesigned S40 first came out. A new type of pad were put on that was supposed to correct the problem. However, my car is a '06 and was supposed to have had the new pads from the get go. It does, but still made the noise. I don't have the service order in front of me to reference everything, but I do know one thing they did was shave the edges of the pads and that worked. Every now and then they still squeal, but only if they're wet or dirty from the car sitting for a few days (which is to be expected), but not since last November have I had the problem.   Other than that, the only problems I've had were the car would stall right after start up if it was cold out (it would always start right back up the 2nd time). They fixed that the first time with a computer download. Also, the ventilation system will sometimes make noises that sound like an owl hooting (!!). That is also a problem that I've been told a few times can be corrected by a computer download, but I've not had the chance to take it in to have it done (in all honestly, I don't notice it that much but it drives my friends crazy.)   I did look at the A3 but I'm not a fan of Audi's new designs. The interior of the A3 looks nice, but I think the rest of the new interiors are very cheap and '80s GM looking.   Again, I hope you get everything worked out. I honestly can say that I absolutely love my car and wouldn't hesitate to buy another Volvo. Good luck!
#7 of 9 2004 S40 Front Break Wear by 2004volvos40 Jul 19, 2007 (5:24 pm)
I had my front brakes replaced at 22,000 miles-service rep explained that Volvo brakes are soft and wear out more frequently! At 30,000 mile service, had 8mm left. At 36000 miles,service rep said once again they required replacing as they were at 3mm. That's only 16000 miles! Same driver and same driving area. This seems way too little mileage to me, yet service rep insists it's "our fault for the way we drive", not the car. I had had problems with noise and they had to replace bushings in the front, ser rep says that the bushing issue was unrelated. Does anyone have experience to know whether brakes wearing out at 16000 miles is normal and/or what recouse I can take? Thanks. Replies to this message: mattsg (Jul 20, 2007 4:26 am)
#8 of 9 Re: 2004 S40 Front Break Wear [2004volvos40] by mattsg Jul 20, 2007 (4:26 am)
Replying to: 2004volvos40 (Jul 19, 2007 5:24 pm) I think you may want to find another dealer to service your car if they're blaming you for break wear. My dealer was very up front and diligent about correcting the issue on my car. There was a issue with the pads themselves that was traced their chemical make-up. What perplexed my dealer is that my car is an '06 and the problem was thought to have been corrected the previous year. It took some time, but they finally took care of the issue.   My car has 12,500 miles on it and the squealing is starting to come back so I'm taking it in next week for it's 12k service. My tech has already told me they'll replace the pads and do the same thing they did last time to solve the issue. I think it is an ongoing problem, but my dealer (at least) has been more than willing to make sure I'm satisfied.
#9 of 9 Brake Fire on 2009 Volvo S40 by lastvolvo Nov 05, 2009 (7:41 am)
I have a Volvo S40 with less than 1000 miles on it, and it developed a brake fire in the right passenger rear tire well. Has anyone else had problems with their brakes?

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