Okay... I am in the process of ordering new brakes all around and new rotors for the rear of our 2000 V70XC AWD/SE. We bought the car the other day, used. Anyway, the wife has been driving today/yesterday and noticed that it seemed like the brakes were sticking and making squealing noises. I drove today and see that she has been using the emergency brake (which she is used to doing), however, there is a lot of play in the emergency brake handle before it actuates and it seems that the emergency brake is sticking or stuck somewhat, although it does work its way free after a little driving... Any advice on how to tackle this issue without bringing it to the shop?

Also, where's the best place (online) to get a service manual and parts manual for this car?

Thanks in advance.
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Tony

1958 P444 (44408), ID 187797 : See site for info

2000 V70XC AWD/SE

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Hello Tony: It's Cam here from the 444 forum.

I suspect the handbrake needs adjustment and the handbrake shoe mechanism may need a little cleaning and P-Blaster. At the same time you can also inspect the emergency brake shoes (inside the rear rotor drums). These are tiny and I have seen the linings detach from the shoes through lack of use or too much use!

I have an XC70 and found the Chilton Service Manual (VOLVO COUPES/SEDANS/WAGONS 1990-98 REPAIR MANUAL)covers many of the same components in your XC, including the AWD system. In fact many of the 850 components remained unchanged into the early 70 series cars and it wasn't until 2001 that there was a major design change.

Although the parking brake information is sparce, there are 2 pages with diagrams that show the components and adjustments you can make at the rear mini-drums and at the handbrake itself. Would you like me to scan these so you can take a look, if you haven't already taken a look?

BTW, this Chilton manual is available at Wal-Mart and is well worth the minimal cost.
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Cam a.k.a. CVOLVO.COM

You and I are in the same boat on this one. I got in the habit of not using my ebrake and now the cable is rusty. Tell your wife to continue to use it. I just bent the cable housing (sheath) from the car to the wheel trying to free the cable. Next week I will attempt to add 3in1 oil or WD40 to the cable.
The more you use it the better it will get. Blame the people in Florida and the people in Sweden for not using an under engineered device.

Klaus
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(V♂LV♂s 1975 164, 1995 854T, 1998 V70R)

That's pretty funny. Thanks.
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Tony

1958 P444 (44408), ID 187797 : See site for info

2000 V70XC AWD/SE

Visit Scarola's PV Register

If it's anything like my S60, it's because the e-brake linings are separating from the steel plates that they are bonded (not riveted) to. Corrosion can develop, and then the brake seems to develop a bit of a cam action. You'll need to pull the rotors off to be sure. The solution is new e-brake linings.

My car did this at delivery (used). They presented the car to me in the breezeway of the dealership (it was spotless and beautiful), but when I started the car and released the brake, I was unable to leave! The shop foreman quickly adjusted the brake to allow me to leave, but the problem recurred and they had to replace the linings a couple of weeks later.

That is excellent information. Thank you.
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Tony

1958 P444 (44408), ID 187797 : See site for info

2000 V70XC AWD/SE

Visit Scarola's PV Register