Tools and Materials Needed:
Before starting, gather the following tools and materials:
- New Brake Pads (Front or Rear, as required)
- Brake cleaner or degreaser
- Mechanic's gloves
- Safety glasses
- Caliper winding tool (if needed)
- Screwdriver (flat head)
- Socket wrench set
- Jack and jack stands
Step-by-Step Procedure:
1. Prepare the Vehicle:
- Park your Volvo V70 on a level surface and set the parking brake firmly.
- Turn off the engine and allow it to cool down.
- Engage the first gear (if manual) or put the car in park (if automatic).
- Loosen the lug nuts of the wheel(s) where you're replacing the brake pads, but do not remove them yet.
2. Raise the Vehicle:
- Use a floor jack to safely lift the vehicle until the tire is off the ground.
- Place a stable jack stand near the jack point and lower the vehicle until it is resting securely on the jack stands.
3. Remove the Wheel:
- Now, you can remove the loosened lug nuts and take off the wheel.
4. Remove the Brake Caliper:
- Locate the brake caliper on the wheel hub.
- There are two bolts that hold the caliper in place. Use a socket wrench to loosen and remove the bolts.
- Gently slide the caliper off the rotor, being careful not to damage the brake lines.
5. Inspect the Brake Rotor:
- Take this opportunity to inspect the brake rotor for any signs of wear or damage. If the rotor is excessively worn, it may need to be replaced along with the brake pads.
6. Compress the Brake Piston:
- In most cases, the brake caliper piston needs to be compressed before new pads can fit in.
- If required, use a caliper winding tool to push the piston back into the caliper. This may require a bit of force, so be careful.
7. Install the New Brake Pads:
- Take the new brake pads and apply a thin coat of brake cleaner or a copper-based anti-seize lubricant to the backside of the pads.
- Slide the new brake pads into the caliper, ensuring they fit snugly.
8. Reattach the Caliper:
- Replace the brake caliper over the rotor and secure it back into place using the bolts removed earlier.
- Tighten the bolts firmly.
9. Repeat on the Opposite Side (if Necessary):
- If replacing both front or both rear brake pads, repeat steps 4-8 on the opposite wheel/side.
10. Test the Brakes:
- Once all the brake pads are replaced, lower the vehicle using the jack and remove the jack stands.
- Put the wheel(s) back on and tighten the lug nuts.
- Before driving, test the brakes by applying gentle pressure on the brake pedal. Ensure the brakes feel firm and responsive.
11. Drive Cautiously:
- For the first few stops, be cautious and allow the new brake pads to properly bed in. Avoid hard braking during this period.
Remember, replacing brake pads involves working with critical vehicle systems. If you're not comfortable performing these tasks, it's best to have the work done by a qualified mechanic.
