Volvo XC90 Handbrake - Parking Brake Cable Adjustment

I just shot this to try and help anyone else who may be struggling with this job. So far there is little on KZbin in English to make it clear. I hope this inspires someone to make a better video!

[@lema4582]

Brilliant tutorial. Worked like a charm. Didn't need to undo the circlip just separated the two items with mole grips on left and pliers on right. Now have a (hand) parking brake. THANK YOU. 2010 xc90

[@VolvoStribo]

Thanks for this, much easier than the written explanation you have, which I couldn't even understand.

[@floydraser4603]

Thank you for the comment, glad it helped.

[@MewsJaguar]

After a day of following the Volvo instructions, and getting nowhere, I watched your video. Brilliant, thank you. Your objective was achieved, a second day of human suffering was avoided. I still can't see the point of removing the circlip. If the adjuster rotated the barrel, OK, but it doesn't. Maybe the terrible design is due to a recall, as these cars originally had a self adjusting mechanism on the foot operated lever...

[@user-di5iv2jm9f]

Hello, on the clip side on the adjuster, remove the clip. turn it IN all the way to the bottom, that will release the hooks inside for the adjustment rod and you are able to push the rod in and out, when the adjustment skrew, is out at the clip, then you can only adjust the rod out.

[@floydraser4603]

Thank you. A most constructive reply, I get that. Next time, if there is a next time, I will try that. I hope your comment helps someone else with this problem. 👍

[@jethrinenc]

Enjoyed the waffling on bits. Thanks

[@ThisIsTheWarRoom]

Floyd: Thank you! You saved me a lot of frustration. I started down the first step of removing clip, turning socket, and gave up. Your approach of just spreading at the adjustment rod and listening for a few clicks worked like a charm! I used oversized 18" long needle nose pliers instead of adjustable wrench and just opened them in gap. I've got my hands full owing an '06 XC90 V8 Ocean Race, an '03 V70 T5 5 spd, and an '07 XC70. I'll take any help I can get! Thanks again.

[@floydraser4603]

Firstly: I love the handle! And thanks for the comment. I like making these vids and comments like yours are the reward. :-)

[@alastairmair9395]

Hi mate I have a 2004 XC70 and a 2007 XC90 - the same cars as you if you still have them

[@patagualianmostly7437]

Hi again Floyd: Just an update on the brake adjustment as I promised. The second attempt, today, went like a dream. I also watched the Russian chap and his idea of the block of wood was a good idea. And so it proved to be: It made the adjustment so much easier as there is no tension whatsoever on the cable between pedal & adjuster. It was a piece of cake, to be honest. It seemed a drag taking all those panels out of the way to access the place for the piece of wood to go...but it's actually easier than he made it out to be. (two screws at the rear, not five. And two at the front...not four.) It all, literally, just clicks together. A bit like LEGO! So, why did I get it wrong with my first attempt? Well, logic is not my forte...and I had the idea in my head that I was shortening the cable by putting the forward cable further INTO the adjuster.....DOH!.... The opposite is true of course..... you are removing the slack in that cable by extending the cable OUTER casing OUT of the adjuster barrel. Hope this helps others.We live and learn. Cheers Floyd. Stay Safe.

[@canneltest9431]

Hi, Please can you post the link of Russian video?

[@drumbumpl]

@@canneltest9431 kzbin.info/www/bejne/eHSspWybfqaUaJYsi=TovmlP6vcIgoXDqw

[@floydraser4603]

It's a shame there are 30 thumbs downs? Why go out of the way to put a thumbs down without a constructive criticism? I could be tempted to think stuff it, I've done mine, everyone else can struggle.

[@ellrossf1]

Thanks this was a big help. I was pratting about for half an hour looking for it on the wrong side of the console

[@floydraser4603]

Glad to be of some help. Thanks for the comment.

[@leod6590]

Hi there - I had the opposite problem - I replaced worn parking brake shoes with new OEM ones - without prior releasing cable tension via this tensioner under the console unit - and when I tested the brake I depressed the foot pedal by 1 click and it was stuck - way too tight!! I now have the challenge of 'reversing your procedure' - which I've yet to tackle. I think I needed to un-do the clip, and somehow unwind the barrel to release tension a bit to free the release mechanism, before tightening tension again (but not as tight as I have it now with new brake shoes on). I found your video really helpful anyway - especially the 'white towel' tip - it's ingenious! I don't mind losing a small part that much (as I can order it from my dealer) - what I do mind is having a 'free running' metal part that may come close to any electronics, gears or even the transmission! My 'car job' towel is blue though but I think that should be OK for the shiny metal clip :). Namo Amituofo

[@pycaddraughting7875]

Hi, Thanks for the comment. I wish I could help with releasing the tension, I'm sure there's a way but probably not easy! :-( Best of luck.

[@caseyjames659]

Thank you for alleviating my suffering😁. This video was a very big help.

[@floydraser4603]

You're very welcome, thanks for taking the time to comment!

[@ivankral6660]

Hi Floyd, your video is very helpful, i had the same issue and your way realy work much better. Thanks for video

[@joshuajensen685]

Thank you so much! This worked great for me and is WAY less of a pain!

[@floydraser4603]

You're more than welcome, great to know it helped someone else. Thanks for taking the time to comment.

[@patagualianmostly7437]

Hi Floyd... Having just bought an XC90-V8, I note from the foot pedal parking brake travel that I will have to have a go at this myself in the not so distant future. I have watched a couple of vids on the subject and I too am a bit mystified as to why the clip has to come off only to be replaced back in the same groove after the cable becomes rather magically shortened......Mmmm If after seeing how it does it...I'll get back here. Many thanks for the Video....most helpful and appreciated. Cheers. P.S. There is now a kit issued by Volvo to install conventional adjusters in the hubs: The Part #'s are: 30793437 (two off) & 30793438 (two off) (Each adjuster is two pieces)

[@floydraser4603]

Thank you for this brilliant reply. I've just looked up the adjusters you mention and at £35 (Ebay May 2020) they are very reasonable and a good investment for anyone keeping the car for a while. I will certainly be looking for these next time! I'm sure this info will help out a lot of other people in the future too. Thanks again! Floyd.

[@povilasgvazdaitis7431]

Thank you for this video. It saved me minimum few days

[@floydraser4603]

You're welcome, thank you for the comment.

[@marcangelocapati7565]

Thank you! It really helps me

[@floydraser4603]

I'm always pleased to read that it helped, thank you for the comment. 🙂

[@davideisemann3335]

Thanks for this video it helped me out. Why Volvo designed such a dumb twiddly mechanism instead of just putting the adjustment nut at the pedal is beyond rational thinking.

[@floydraser4603]

Thank you for the comment David, I'm glad it helped.

[@neiltudhope5372]

Although you unveiled "The Caramilk Secret", if you get a pair of vacuum/fuel hose removal pliers, it's even easier..

[@floydraser4603]

Absolutely, but probably not worth getting some just for doing this job; they would probably rust away before they got used a second time! :-)

[@neiltudhope5372]

@@floydraser4603 Saved my butt you did!

[@wondermotors37]

Good tech thanks

[@dombelardo4909]

i dont usually comment but is your next stop edinbourough fringe, u are funny

[@ddaman5764]

Thanks for the info sorry to hear about your queen

[@Frank-ux6ee]

Hi Floyd, just watched your tutorial, and I think it's going to help with my situation. It has certainly simplified the task I was facing. I wondered if I can be cheeky and ask for a little extra advise?? My son has helped his old Dad by doing brake pads and discs all round on my 2014 Volvo XC90. He has done this by following videos etc, however, he now finds that he can't get the disc back on after replacing the rear shoes??? Passenger side flew on, but driver's rear the shoes have a greater diameter than the disc!! My question is, will the adjustment of the cable ( as in your video ) retract the rear shoes, therefore making them fit inside the disc??? It's difficult when you don't understand the workings of these parts, but currently it's jacked up and my lad is scratching his head!! Any advice would be appreciated. PS all parts are correct, and discs were on the car before he changed the shoes, so should fit! I also believe the parking brake was off when he started the job. Regards, Frank.

[@floydraser4603]

Hi Frank, Sorry but I don't think I can be of much use. I never changed the shoes and the discs had a larger internal diameter so I was effectively lengthening the cable, whereas it seems you need to shorten it. I think the solution must be in the bit where you take out the circlip and loosen the cable in the socket thing. I would try doing that, then try and push the other end of the cable (to the left in the video) into the socket to shorten it. Mine felt solid so may need a tap or two? Sorry if that's wrong but it's the best I can do. Please reply here when you get it sorted so we can help others. Cheers, Floyd.

[@Frank-ux6ee]

@@floydraser4603 Hi, just thought I'd let you know we've cracked it!! Pretty easy once you've built your confidence. I sat outside the car and watched the shoes contract as he turned it...( don't ask which way, at this point??) The disc slipped on, and I've driven it, and I'm happy to report it drives fine! He also has adjusted my foot brake down from about 12 clicks to 6/8 clicks ( feels much better under foot!) He has said, he's going to do a quick video and link it to yours, in the future....🤔🤔 We shall see?? Thanks once again 👍

[@floydraser4603]

@@Frank-ux6ee That's great Frank! 😎By all means be sure to post a link to the video when it's uploaded, I look forward to seeing it.

[@MrDeadtruth]

Is it possible with the mole grips and spanner end for leverage to widen the gap to adjust, “WITHOUT” touching anything else, including taking the clip out ?? I have in fact done this, but wasn’t sure if I needed to take clip out first to turn collar anti -clock wise and THEN do the mole grip method above ?? Thanks

[@floydraser4603]

It's not unusual to do it with the clip in. Sorry, couldn't resist. If I did it again I wouldn't even bother with the clip, I would just try the mole grip method first. Cheers.

[@MrDeadtruth]

@@floydraser4603 Ok thanks for this, I think I will also leave a small pair of mole grips in situ between the gap, put panel back and that might stop it from moving back to original position again! As an experiment anyway ! I have had this XC90 8 years and if I counted up all the bills for footbrake fix from different garages including Volvo, I know it would be between 2&3K... I have even had the modification adjusters fitted inside the drums, but this is still not full proof ! Cheers once again...

[@prinsafro2148]

Thank you for this Video

[@floydraser4603]

You are very welcome Sir! Thank you for the comment.

[@craiglambie9373]

I managed move the socket with a small amount of force, I held the cable with pliers and levered it forward off the pliers.

[@MrSupergrez]

All you need to do is last section.... adjustment. Press pedal to first click then press the rod back which you showed at the beginning

[@legambaz]

Handbrakes is supposed to be a very important safety feature. Somehow, these Volvos have this handbrake problems for so amny models. From S60, XC70 to XC90. It's a big engineering mistake if you ask me. So difficult to adjust.

[@floydraser4603]

I have to agree; not only a safety issue but you would think Volvo would consider their long term reputation. I always thought of Volvos as being well built. Having now owned one I think they are ok but just average in terms of build quality.

[@BenDyke]

My parking brake on my 2004 XC90 failed the MOT here in Sweden...I have adjusted it and was able to pull apart the 2 sections as described above but I needed to pull it right out (revealing loads of grooves to get any tension at all. The brake now works but only when the pedal is depressed at least 6 clicks and I am not confident it will pass the MOT again. Is there anything else I can do or have I done anything wrong?

[@floydraser4603]

Hi Ben, Sorry I'm no expert so I can't be much help. All I can say is that if that happened to me I would check all the brakes to see if there was excess wear or anything loose. Good luck!

[@BenDyke]

@@floydraser4603 Thanks for the reply! Everything has been replaced which makes it frustrating that it's the wire tension that is failing. I'm hoping it will get through the MOT as it is - fingers crossed!

[@coolbitbmwretrofitgarage8033]

Regulacja ręcznego w tym samochodzie to jakaś pomyłka i zacofanie do czasów fiata 126p

[@floydraser4603]

Dziękuje za komentarz.

[@mirceamikel83]

You did that with the hand brake on or off???

[@floydraser4603]

Handbrake off, wheels chocked. Had to be chocked, it lives on a slope! 🙂

[@vincentmcquaid5685]

Can't get treaded bar back into aguster

[@maltesgutenachtgeschichte]

In wich Position should the Padel be?

[@floydraser4603]

The handbrake pedal should be released. We are trying to take up the slack in the cable. If the pedal is not released there won't be any slack. Hope this helps.

[@captainbatboy5076]

What is the name of the clip ( what type is it)?

[@floydraser4603]

I'm sorry but I can't give an accurate answer to that. It is a circlip but with a lip to make it easier to fit and remove I guess. Are you trying to find a replacement? If so, someone may be able to help with another comment here...?

[@Gundercn]

Anyone else get so pissed at the design they removed the seat? Nah me neither