my Volvo XC90 makes a grinding noise when I brake hard what could be wrong

Solution

1. Preparation

• Gather necessary tools and parts.
• Ensure the vehicle is parked on a level surface, and engage the parking brake.
• Wear safety glasses and gloves for protection.

2. Lift the Vehicle

• Use a jack to lift the front or rear of the vehicle, depending on which brakes are being serviced.
• Secure the vehicle with jack stands to ensure stability.

3. Remove Wheel

• Use a socket set to remove the lug nuts from the wheel.
• Take off the wheel to access the brake components.

4. Inspect and Replace Brake Pads

• Inspect Brake Pads:
  • Check the thickness of the brake pads; they should be at least 1/4 inch thick.
  • If worn below this threshold or damaged, proceed to replace them.
• Remove Old Brake Pads:
  • Use a ratchet to unbolt the caliper from its bracket.
  • Carefully slide the caliper off the rotor and support it to avoid straining the brake line.
• Install New Brake Pads:
  • Apply anti-squeal grease to the back of the new pads.
  • Slide the new pads into the caliper bracket.

5. Inspect and Replace Brake Rotors (if necessary)

• Inspect Rotors:
  • Check for grooves or scoring; if present, rotors typically need to be resurfaced or replaced.
• Remove Rotors:
  • Unscrew the caliper bracket bolts and remove the bracket.
  • Slide off the rotor from the hub.
• Install New Rotors:
  • Clean the new rotor with brake cleaner to remove any protective coating.
  • Position the rotor onto the hub and reattach the caliper bracket.

6. Reassemble and Test

• Reattach the caliper to the bracket and tighten bolts to the manufacturer’s torque specifications.
• Reinstall the wheel and hand-tighten the lug nuts.
• Lower the vehicle and fully tighten the lug nuts in a crisscross pattern.
• Pump the brake pedal to seat the new pads and check brake fluid level.