Volvo RWD 200 Forum

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volvo 240 wagon brakes 200 1987

Need advice on 87 240 wagon front brakes. After taking off the brake pads I noticed the anti-squeal shims are not in great shape. They're peeling and some rust. I sandpapered them fairly clean. Should they be replaced? And is it necessary to use anti squeal compound? I've got the new pads on. The wheels turn fairly freely. One has a very slight drag to it. This is my first brake job so any inside help would be appreciated.
Thank you.
John








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volvo 240 wagon brakes 200 1987

I second the motion that your fronts are fine with a sanded shim. While I'm in there I always clean the inner area of the caliper so the shoes won't get hung up, and I use the PFTE grease on the metal edges of the pads, which seems to slow the rust down in that area. I also use that red stuff (CRC Disc Brake Quiet) between the shims and the pads just to load the dice in my favor.

The rears are another story. I tried lots of stuff before I hit a solution. The official Volvo rear pads, which are overpriced junk, come with wonderful anti-squeal shims. I used these with to RPR pads and the noise went away. Sadly, I just put the Volvo pads on and they squeal ferociously on occasion. And they don't stop as well. Next set will be RPR, and I may change them early if the Volvo ones keep misbehaving. I use the CRC stuff and the PFTE on them as well. Be careful not to get the PFTE on the braking surface, and a little of both goes a long way.

Don't worry about the drag unless it's really strong or only in one spot, which means a warped rotor. If it's warped enough that you can feel it in the pedal, it might be a good idea to fit a new set of rotors pretty soon. The ATE "atomic" rotors have worked very well for me.








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volvo 240 wagon brakes 200 1987

If you have already installed the pads and shims and there is no squeel go with it. I recently did fronts on my dughter 240 and put in new shims that had rubber backing with a peel off adhesive. Some drag is normal, remember the pads are not pulled away from the rotors but rather the pressure is just released so they remain in slight contact after braking. If there is a lot of drag to the extent that the wheel is real hard to turn then you may have a sticking caliper or piston.








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volvo 240 wagon brakes 200 1987

You are fine as is. I've changed front pads on my '88, 10-12 times, and have cleaned the shims each time. The fronts have never never required any anti-squeal, but the backs do.

I'm trusting your drive test went well?







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