Are xc90 brakes generally poor.

[ltec]

Hi all, I'm a new xc90 owner. Or new to me anyway. 2009 automatic.
When braking her the brakes seem poor, or compared to a car anyway. Takes a fair bit of pressure before she starts to slow down.
Is this normal coz she's so heavy or should I be looking into it. She's not long serviced and brakes all look fresh.

[Moose Test]

A very subjective topic but that was my impression too when I moved from an XC70 to an XC90 as my daily drive. They are adequate but don't feel either as effective (rate of deceleration when forced), nor have quite so much feedback through the pedal or subtlety of application.

The extra mass and hence momentum likely has some part to play in that but I'm sure there are other factors in play.

[Montana]

i think the auto box plays a big part here too as you are dependant on the change downs happening (quickly) before you can stop.

That's my personal conclusion as my XC70 is my first auto and i wouldn't describe the brakes as feeling 'sharp'.

But its worth checking you don't have a sticking front calliper etc (grease the sliders).

[john langrick]

Hi, I also came from v70 to xc90. I really did not note much difference breaking but certainly the xc90 is much heavier so I expected different feedback.

My wife has a Hyundai I10 and I do have to be careful when applying brakes on that as far less pressure needed but then the car has a fraction of the wight
/momentum to that of the xc90 (which is usually pretty full of boat tools).

The hand/foot break is another story!

I would be assured if the car has a recent mot, that all should be well.

Hope this helps
John l

[ltec]

Originally Posted by Moose Test

A very subjective topic but that was my impression too when I moved from an XC70 to an XC90 as my daily drive. They are adequate but don't feel either as effective (rate of deceleration when forced), nor have quite so much feedback through the pedal or subtlety of application.

The extra mass and hence momentum likely has some part to play in that but I'm sure there are other factors in play.

That's exactly how it is. I'm guessing the auto makes it worse but its the no feeling in the brake pedal that's scary. Maybe you get used to it. Its in slippy conditions that would worry me when its hard to know how much your actually braking.

[Tannaton]

The XC90 brakes are very good - but they have one weak spot - the amount of sub-standard pattern parts available on the market.

They do require a little more effort than some other Volvo models but it's the biggest and heaviest car they make.

I am certain that if you get your brakes checked over and at least the front discs and pads replaced with genuine Volvo parts - you will be happy with them. Also get the fluid replaced if this hasn't been done in 2 years or more - it can make a significant difference on its own.

Volvo still cast their own discs for their bigger XC models at their own foundry in Sweden so genuine parts is the only way to ensure they are going to work as Volvo intended them to. There are a number of dealers selling genuine parts on e-bay at trade prices.

We frequently see new members on here with brake issues on XC90's and nearly always the cause is cheap, pattern parts.

I've just changed the front discs and pads on my own XC60 from "Apec" brand (fitted to the car by the dealer I bought it from) to genuine parts and the difference is night and day - less effort, much more progressing braking and better judgement and feel. It brakes like a new car again, not an old banger.

There is a possibility that one of the sliders has siezed but this isn't common.

A full inspection is needed, not just "through the wheel".

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PHD5dWKeRXg

[SwissXC90]

I have genuine Volvo brake discs and pads fitted at my last brake service.

The car brakes just like any other car, and the effort is no different. I don't notice the weight of the vehicle at all.

The Emergency Brake Assist (which I have called on twice) is absolutely phenomenal - the braking power when the EBA kicks in is awesome.

[ltec]

I've never heard of any car or 4x4 needing genuine brakes to work properly. I used to work as a mechanic and genuine parts was never used for brakes and never was their a problem with poor brakes.
It highlights to me that volvo does have a problem with their brakes.
I knew their handbrake was rubbish but I didn't know the overall brakes was poor.
It'll get a full strip down to see if its all free. I hope their is something sticking coz its a bit of a joke having to use genuine brakes.

[Harley Dave]

My wife has a Honda Jazz CVT and, when I drive that, I find the brakes are, if anything, too sharp.

When I drive the Volvo, which had new (genuine) front discs and pads fitted about 6000 miles ago, the brakes are fine.

I guess you just get used to what you're driving.

It will be interesting to know if you do find a problem though.

Cheers

Dave

[Tannaton]

Originally Posted by ltec

I've never heard of any car or 4x4 needing genuine brakes to work properly. I used to work as a mechanic and genuine parts was never used for brakes and never was their a problem with poor brakes.
It highlights to me that volvo does have a problem with their brakes.
I knew their handbrake was rubbish but I didn't know the overall brakes was poor.
It'll get a full strip down to see if its all free. I hope their is something sticking coz its a bit of a joke having to use genuine brakes.

There's a big difference between "working" and "working well". Fit an XC90 with some Apec or National crap and it still start and stop and pass an MOT.

You get what you pay for - fit a £120 set of discs and pads and you will get broadly half the quality you get from a £250 set of genuine Volvo ones. If you keep the car a long time (and most XC90 owners do) you will get to know that genuine "consumable" parts significantly outlast and/or perform better most pattern parts - from wiper blades to wheel bearings, bulbs to brakes.

The joke is people with champagne premium car aspirations but on a Tesco Value Cola budget. These are not cheap cars to buy, maintain and run. That's a plan that usually doesn't end well, there are other cars better suited to that style of ownership.

The parking brake is the same design used on all Volvo models from the 850 in 1992 until the Ford based platforms that started in 2007. The problem with it is lack of use on cars with automatic transmissions, and that's 96% of XC90's.