Volvo S60 handbrake

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Sat 14 May 2005 18:45
Volvo S60 handbrake - Wales Forester
I've test driven an 02 plate S60 2.0 T (5spd manual) this morning, and the only thing I could really find fault with was the handbrake action - when applied it didn't actually engage the brakes immediately. This meant that when engaging the handbrake and then instantly releasing the footbrake there was a small movement from the car before the brakes came on.
Is this normal?
The saleman seemed to think that it wasn't an issue.
By the way the footbrake worked fine whilst driving.

Can any S60 owners relate to this?

PP
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Sun 15 May 2005 00:07
Volvo S60 handbrake - Svelte
Peter
The handbrake on my 04 S60 operates without any delay and is very effective. Unlike some handbrake mechanisms, the S60 has a small drum brake exclusively for the handbrake. The operation can be aggressive if the lever is applied firmly. Perhaps the cable or drum mechanism is sticking possibly through lack of use or corrosion.
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Sun 15 May 2005 02:04
Volvo S60 handbrake - Dynamic Dave
Unlike some handbrake mechanisms, the S60 has a small drum brake exclusively for the handbrake.


Vauxhall have also used this method for quite some time as well. It is advised to occasionally pull the handbrake gently on whilst driving along, but without locking up the wheels, so as to scrub the shoes and drum clean. Reson being the only time the shoes come in contact with the drums is when you're stationary.
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Sun 15 May 2005 00:28
Volvo S60 handbrake - Civic8
Sounds normal to me..once you stop on footbrake.then apply handbrake car weight release from footpedal is removed from front/rear brakes.depending on whether on incline or decline.car will move/either backward or forward ever so slightly.as long as it holds car in static position ie doesnt move any further.their is no problem
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Steve
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Sun 15 May 2005 01:53
Volvo S60 handbrake - SjB {P}
Indeed, this is perfectly normal.

My V70 does it.
My bro's V70 does it.
My father's S80 does it.
Going back in time, his 244DL used to do it, too!
In fact, every large Volvo I've driven has done it.

The reason is that the parking brake doesn't operate on the rear discs. Instead, it operates on a drum inside each rear wheel hub. The small amount of 'roll back' on an incline occurs as the weight of the car helps the shoes settle.
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Sun 15 May 2005 12:29
Volvo S60 handbrake - Wales Forester
Thanks for that, you've all put my mind at ease.

Anything else I should know as someone moving to the S60 from a Mondeo?

Cheers,
PP
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