How to Replace the Brake Pads on a Volvo XC90?

[DeCamilla]

Here is the method for replacing the brake pads on a Volvo XC90: 1. First, open the engine compartment and check whether the brake fluid level is in the normal position. 2. Use a jack to lift the car, remove the tire first, then use a wrench combined with a socket to remove the bolts of the brake caliper, and then directly take off the brake pads. 3. Install the new brake pads, and the job is done. Of course, the original parts must be reinstalled in the reverse order of removal. Below is some related information about brake pads: 1. Automotive brake pads are generally composed of a steel plate, an adhesive heat insulation layer, and a friction block. The steel plate is coated to prevent rust, and the coating process uses an SMT-4 furnace temperature tracker to detect the temperature distribution during the coating process to ensure quality. 2. The heat insulation layer is made of non-heat-conducting materials, with the purpose of heat insulation. The friction block is composed of friction materials and adhesives. When braking, it is squeezed against the brake disc or brake drum to generate friction, thereby achieving vehicle deceleration and braking.

[VincentAnn]

I've done the brake pad replacement on my Volvo XC90 several times myself. First, make sure the car is parked on level ground with the handbrake engaged, then use a jack and safety stands to lift the vehicle and remove the wheel. Next, loosen the caliper mounting bolts with a wrench, gently flip the caliper upward to avoid damaging the brake hose—this allows the old brake pads to be removed. Remember to have new brake pads and lubricant ready; use a special tool to retract the caliper piston to make room for the new pads. Check the brake wear sensor and replace it if it's worn out. When reinstalling the caliper, torque the bolts to the specified value. After putting the wheel back on and lowering the car, don’t drive off immediately—pump the brake pedal a few times inside the car to seat the new pads against the rotors. Drive gently for about 10-15 kilometers to bed them in properly. Safety first: double-check that the lug nuts are tightened securely to avoid any mishaps on the road.

[McBrynlee]

Preparing thoroughly is key when replacing the brake pads on an XC90. I gathered a jack, torque wrench, and piston retraction tool before starting. When removing the tire, loosen the bolts first before lifting the car with the jack. After opening the caliper, pay attention to the wear indicator line when taking out the old pads to determine if replacement is necessary. The crucial step is pushing the piston back in—without the right tools, it's challenging. A C-clamp can be used to slowly press it in to prevent fluid leaks. Apply anti-noise paste on both sides of the new pads before installation, and tighten the bolts to the torque specified in the repair manual—don’t rush this step. Finally, don’t forget to pump the brakes to reset the caliper, and test drive at low speed first to check for any unusual noises. DIY replacement can save hundreds, but precision is essential—I’ve learned the hard way that rushing can lead to squealing or vibration issues.

[SanDominic]

Last time I went to the 4S shop to replace the brake pads, the technician's operation looked very professional. They lifted the car, removed the wheels, and used pneumatic tools to take off the caliper bolts. When removing the old brake pads, they also measured the brake disc thickness and said it didn't need replacement. Before installing the new pads, they applied anti-squeal compound. The technician used a hydraulic tool to retract the pistons, which was much faster than doing it manually. After installing the tires, they performed wheel balancing. Before handing over the car, the technician specifically took it for a test drive to check the brake pedal feel. Although it cost over a thousand yuan, it was worry-free—they even checked the brake fluid level for me. If I were to do it myself, I'd need to buy special tools, and it would take quite some time.