Do you really need a computer to change emergency brake pads?

**twooldvolvos** · 10-17-2012, 07:04 AM

I had my 2007 Volvo XC70 wagon in for service yesterday and the service guy said that the emergency brake pads had failed. When I said that I would replace them myself, he said that I would need a computer to do the job because something in the cars software had to be reset or adjusted or something. Is this true? Sounded a little fishy but I did not know enough to argue. Any comments?

**acools** · 10-17-2012, 07:52 AM

Rubbish, I have an 04 and did it myself in my garage.

05-07 is slightly different, but I don't think there is any difference in our eBrake assemblies

**howardc64** · 10-17-2012, 08:07 AM

Actually, you might inquire how the ebrake pads failed. What I most commonly read about is the pads delaminates while driving and destroys everything inside the rotor. Quite messy. If this is your issue and was caught early before the pad material came free, count your blessings

And yes, not aware of any computer needed for this job.

**billr99** · 10-17-2012, 10:19 AM

Originally Posted by twooldvolvos

I had my 2007 Volvo XC70 wagon in for service yesterday and the service guy said that the emergency brake pads had failed. When I said that I would replace them myself, he said that I would need a computer to do the job because something in the cars software had to be reset or adjusted or something. Is this true? Sounded a little fishy but I did not know enough to argue. Any comments?

I'd be finding another place to service my Volvo after an answer like that. He's trying to use the "veil of mystery" over a fairly simple repair. I'd bet he would have quoted a decently high price to go with it too. The really funny thing is that Volvo has used this type of e-brake arrangement for years, back to the Series 200 days, essentially unchanged. You'd think it would just require a simple quote for the job without all the crap.

And yes, you can easily do them yourself. Some instances can be a bit harder than others but well within the realm of the average DIYer. As a suggestion, do not use Volvo e-brake shoes as you will just have the problem again. Go aftermarket and it doesn't hurt to have a few of the retaining springs around as well. They have a tendency to get bent out of shape during the removal process especially if they have any age on them. Brake heat must make them loose a bit of their temper. They only cost a couple of bucks a pop (which is outrageous considering) and you need 4. Also use a bit of brake grease at the contact points and you should be good to go for quite some time.

Cheers,

Bill

**Astro14** · 10-17-2012, 11:36 AM

VERY fishy...second all that Bill said. If you can do drum brakes, you can do these (because that's what they are, drum brakes inside the rotor "hat", with mechanical vs. hydraulic actuation...).

I wouldn't trust this guy with my car ever again, find another service guy...

**JRL** · 10-17-2012, 11:54 AM

Bull doody

**twooldvolvos** · 10-17-2012, 01:51 PM

Originally Posted by billr99

I'd be finding another place to service my Volvo after an answer like that. He's trying to use the "veil of mystery" over a fairly simple repair. I'd bet he would have quoted a decently high price to go with it too. The really funny thing is that Volvo has used this type of e-brake arrangement for years, back to the Series 200 days, essentially unchanged. You'd think it would just require a simple quote for the job without all the crap.

And yes, you can easily do them yourself. Some instances can be a bit harder than others but well within the realm of the average DIYer. As a suggestion, do not use Volvo e-brake shoes as you will just have the problem again. Go aftermarket and it doesn't hurt to have a few of the retaining springs around as well. They have a tendency to get bent out of shape during the removal process especially if they have any age on them. Brake heat must make them loose a bit of their temper. They only cost a couple of bucks a pop (which is outrageous considering) and you need 4. Also use a bit of brake grease at the contact points and you should be good to go for quite some time.

Cheers,

Bill

Funny thing is that the guy who told me this was calling me from my local Volvo dealership. I'm tempted to document this situation and blow the dealership in to Volvo. (After I get done pressing him when I pick up my car.) I would only do so when I was totally sure they were scamming me.

**twooldvolvos** · 10-21-2012, 05:11 AM

I picked my car up Friday from the dealership. When I pressed the service manager to explain why I needed a computer to change my ebrake pads, he explained that I needed the software to reset the "button". I explained that I have a lever not a button. To which he replied that he thought I had the button, not the lever and that I could indeed have changed my own ebrake pads. I really hate the Stealership.

**billr99** · 10-21-2012, 05:35 AM

Originally Posted by twooldvolvos

I picked my car up Friday from the dealership. When I pressed the service manager to explain why I needed a computer to change my ebrake pads, he explained that I needed the software to reset the "button". I explained that I have a lever not a button. To which he replied that he thought I had the button, not the lever and that I could indeed have changed my own ebrake pads. I really hate the Stealership.

What the hell is "The Button"?! Be around a lot of Volvos in my day and have never heard of or seen that.

Cheers,

Bill