I had a falty parking brake that I got fixed a couple months ago, not sure if it's related or not. No problems after that.

 

Re: (makonyy15)

Heard this on the news today, not had a letter yet though. Been wanting the handbrake adjusting for ages, feels like I have to pull it up over my head for it to work

(And it's on the wrong side! - wonder if that is what they are fixing

)

 

I knew it... im NOT going mad
When i bought the S40... on the first day my mum said she saw the car move down to a point of almost meeting the bumper of the car in front!

I thought she was going mad as the handbrake was up.

Then few weeks ago, same thing happened but this time i was sure i heard it move too.
didnt think anything off it until...

months after when I noticed i was parked in space that im sure i didnt leave it in.
because it was perfect parking... again i questioned my sanity.

now we know!

 

Just got the letter today - will try and book it in and get the D5 to play with for a day....

 

Re: (BobV50)

is there a TNN or any reference number in the letter? because i asked my dealer here about it and they have not heard anything...

 

Re: (Mistral)

I had this done last week as part of a service. I think they've changed something inside the brake mechanism, but the thing that they made most fuss about was that there is a supplement to the manual which now tells you to push hard on the foot brake while tugging really hard on the handbrake. There's also a sticker that you're supposed to add to the main manual redirecting you to the supplement.

 

Re: (jamesvolvo)

Is this a diesel-only thing perhaps? I am thinking the handbrake is a different design in this model. There's no other explanation for the "stand on the footbrake" instruction, because in the 2.4i/T5, that's a completely different mechanism.

Tom.

 

Just back from my dealer to have this done - as 'jamesvolvo' states they have added the instruction to press down firmly on the foot brake prior to applying the handbrake/parking brake. They also state vehicle should be parked with gear selector in 1st (manual box) or P (auto).

To release the hand/parking brake press down firmly on the foot brake firmly and release hand/parking brake.

I am wondering if this is due to the car having disc brakes all round. In the days of rear drum brakes wasn't the hand/parking brake a mechanical device (?) whereas with the disc brakes it is hydraulic - could this mean that the pads need to be in full contact with the discs for them to be effective hence the instruction to fully apply the foot brake?
I guess the situation is after driving the discs are hot and so expanded from their cold state and as they cool they contract thereby reducing the 'grip' of the pads?

 

Re: (BobV50)

Mine has now been recalled a S40 T5 6-Speed, so it's not a diesel thing.

My dealer said they are just going to check and tighten the handbrake mechanism, not a very long job apparently. Going in on July 13th.

 

Re: (cm)

I take back the part I said about a separate parking brake mechanism - it's not separate, my mistake. The cable operates directly on the rear calipers and is, in theory, self-adjusting. Apparently there's an issue...

Tom.

 

Well not had the recall yet and mine is a diesel, but is on lease.

Sounds like a cover all options recall then if they are advising the car is put into 1st gear LOL!

I know of a couple of people with the MK4 Golf that have had the rear discs cool and then the cars roll down a driveway into their garage doors!!!!!

Mine will be due a service in 4000 miles so will probs mention that then

 

Richard,
That reminded me of a series of reports of such things happening to another make - it was on Watchdog.

Wonder if Volvo are covering all bases here - the old paragraph in the Owners Handbook just referred to applying the handbrake as you would in the majority of cars. No mention of foot on footbrake first or sticking it in gear.

Curiouser and curiouser.....

 

Re: (BobV50)

Booked mine in for Saturday - I think the probelm stems from disc contraction once the handbrake has been engaged - not an issue on drums as they get smaller - my worry is, if we apply the foot brake and then the handbrake when the discs are hot will we contribute to warping the discs? The very reason that people park in gear on track days when shutting off and not with the brake.

 

Thought I would try pressing my pedal down today before putting the brake on and it made no difference.

Marmoset, I certainly think that pumping the brakes on etc before will not be a good idea long term re warping.

 

mines just been done, handbrake is a lot stiffer now too and it doesnt stick to the back wheels anymore overnight