why are my Volvo XC90 brake pads wearing unevenly

Solution

1. Preparation

• Gather necessary tools and parts.
• Ensure the vehicle is parked on a flat surface, engage the parking brake, and wear safety glasses and gloves.

2. Remove Wheel

• Use a lug wrench to loosen the lug nuts while the vehicle is on the ground.
• Lift the vehicle with a jack and secure it with jack stands.
• Remove the lug nuts and take off the wheel.

3. Inspect and Remove Brake Caliper

• Locate the caliper bolts and use a socket set to remove them.
• Carefully slide the caliper off the rotor and support it with a bungee cord or similar device to avoid stress on the brake line.
• If necessary, remove the brake pads from the caliper bracket.

4. Inspect Brake Components

• Check the brake rotor for uneven wear, scoring, or warping using a micrometer.
• Inspect the caliper for sticking pistons or debris that might hinder movement.
• Clean the caliper bracket and ensure any shims or clips are not damaged.

5. Replace or Adjust Components

• Replace unevenly worn brake pads with new, high-quality pads.
• If needed, replace the rotor if it is below the minimum thickness specification or excessively warped.
• Ensure that the caliper slides freely by applying brake grease to the caliper slide pins.

6. Reassemble and Connect

• Reattach the caliper over the new brake pads and torque the caliper bolts to the manufacturer's specifications (usually around 25-35 ft-lbs).
• Reinstall the wheel and torque the lug nuts in a crisscross pattern to the manufacturer’s specifications (typically 80-100 ft-lbs).