handbrake cables for XC90

Walter

Hi everyone, the handbrake of my 2004 XC90 failed a few days ago. There is no resistance on the the pedal and the brake does not engage. Took it to my local garage to get a quote to fix it and the quote came to $1060. I can't believe that is a fair quote. The guy recommends to replace 3 cables (front, left & right) and says the cables are so expensive because they're hard to get. Is he right? Is this a fair price? Would you normally have to replace 3 cables? I have owned cars for 45 years and never, ever had a handbrake cable problem with any of them and now we need to replace three with only 130K on the clock? I have the feeling I'm being taking advantage of. I don't know this garage very well, the current owner took over from a previous owner recently and there hasn't been enough time to build trust. Can anyone comment on this issue, or recommend a trustworthy Volvo mechanic in Brisbane?
Thanks

pastry

The cables do seem moderately pricey, but obviously not too hard to get... from FCPEuro.com (USA)

slightly confusing but if you have any DIY skills it may be simple enough to do yourself, saving at least $750?

I've not done this job, but I'd guess they're at least semi-serviceable. Probably involves removing some of the center console to access the foot pedal, then the 2 cables to the rear wheels are probably running down the undersides.

So yes, I can see the labour potentially adding up when done by a shop.

Philia_Bear

Volvo Aus wants like $200aud each which explains the pricing

Ex850R

Is it GLT Automotive in Brisbane we recommend?

timbo

Its not hard at all to check the function and isolate the problem. Its most likely the front cable has failed, or even just an adjustment issue if someone has driven with the handbrake on by accident.
You can get to handbrake adjuster by pulling the passenger side trim from the centre console.
Im assuming the ratchet mechanism locks on and releases as usual?

Walter

Thanks for your reply Tim.

timbo;132075 wrote if someone has driven with the handbrake on by accident.

Possibly, not aware that I did, but something must have happened so maybe I did. If so, would that stretch the cables beyond a point were it is safe to use and they must be replaced?

timbo;132075 wroteIm assuming the ratchet mechanism locks on and releases as usual?

It does lock and release. I'll see if I can find a youtube video that shows me how to get to the ratchet mechanism. I'm not much of a DIY person, so hesitate on working on brakes but if if it is just a matter of tightening with a ratchet even I can manage (I think). You'd think the mechanic would have had a look at that though.

timbo

Its pretty straightforward to adjust and you will be able to decide if it's above your capabilities once you have had a look online at the adjustment process.
You would be surprised how many mechanics don't know how to adjust the xc90 handbrake cables though. It's a relatively unusual setup

If the front cable has broken, it usually snaps where it curls back on itself at the foot brake mechanism. You should be able to spot it with a decent torch.
I doubt you would need all 3 cables either, i would recommend sourcing the front cable yourself to save some $$$

Walter

I'm not a confident mechanic, afraid I'll do more damage than good so ent back to my mechanic and he's happy to install the cables if I get them from overseas. He says it'll take about 2.5 hours to install and he recommends doing all three as there was some wear on the casing as well and since there was no snapped cable he can't tell which cable was overstretched. (Does that make sense or is it BS?)
The cables i need to get are :
front #30793824
right #30793828
left #30681684
On the FCPEuro website I am not able to find front cable (the other 2 are available). They do list one with a slightly different number: Volvo Parking Brake Cable - Genuine Volvo 30793827
Does anyone know if this cable would fit? The 30793824 seems not to be available at other suppliers eitherso maybe this is the current replacement model? Volvo Australia still seems to have them but they charge no less than $270 for each of three cables and I'd rather avoid the Volvo Australia monopoly price if I can.

thanks for your advice