Parts for your 2013 Volvo Xc60-Brake shoes

2013 Volvo XC60 brake shoes — what they do and how to look after them

For the 2013 Volvo XC60, brake shoes are relevant — they’re used for the parking brake inside the rear brake rotors (a “drum-in-hat” design). Volvo’s service info (VIDA/workshop procedures) and the 2013 XC60 Owner’s Manual describe rear disc brakes for service braking, with separate internal shoes for the parking brake. Parts catalogues for this model also list a dedicated parking brake shoe set and spring/adjuster hardware, confirming fitment.

These shoes don’t stop the car during normal driving — that’s handled by the disc pads. Instead, the shoes clamp inside the small drum surface of the rear rotors to hold the vehicle when parked, on a hill, at the boat ramp, or during a WOF/safety inspection. On this model the parking brake is cable-operated, so consistent hold relies on healthy shoe linings, correctly adjusted hardware, tidy cables, and clean drum surfaces.

As they live inside the rotor, the shoes can be overlooked until there’s a weak handbrake, scraping noises, or a test failure. Regular servicing keeps things sweet and avoids damage if the lining ever lifts or fractures — an issue known to crop up on drum-in-hat setups if they’re neglected.

Good practice for the 2013 XC60 parking brake shoes:

• Inspect at routine brake services (or at least every 20,000–30,000 km). Remove the rear rotors to properly view linings and springs.
• Replace shoes if the lining is near or below spec, contaminated with grease/rust, cracked, or shows signs of delamination. Always do both sides and renew the hardware kit (springs/retainers/adjuster) together.
• Check the rotor “hat” for grooves or heat spots, replace rotors if the drum surface is damaged.
• Adjust the star wheel so the shoes just kiss the drum, then back off slightly, set cable free-play to factory guidance per Volvo VIDA.
• Bed-in after replacement with a few gentle parking brake applications at low speed on a safe, flat road, allowing cool-down between pulls.
• Use the handbrake regularly. Light, regular use keeps the mechanism clean and responsive, which helps at rego/WOF time.

Done right, the XC60’s parking brake shoes deliver solid holding power, smooth operation, and less chance of surprise repairs. Refer to Volvo VIDA and the Owner’s Manual for specs and procedures, and stick with quality shoes and hardware for the best result.

Popular questions about 2013 Volvo XC60 brake shoes

Does a 2013 Volvo XC60 actually have brake shoes?
Yes. While the service brakes are discs and pads, the parking brake uses small drum-style shoes inside the rear rotors. This design is detailed in Volvo’s workshop information and the owner’s guide for the model year.

How often should the XC60’s parking brake shoes be replaced?
There’s no fixed kilometre interval — it depends on use and condition. Have them inspected during routine brake services. Replace if the linings are thin, contaminated, cracked, or if the parking brake performance is weak or uneven. Always replace shoes in axle pairs and fit new hardware.

What are the signs the parking brake shoes need attention?
Weak holding on hills, scraping or grinding from the rear when the handbrake is applied, excessive lever travel, or an uneven drum surface inside the rotor. If the rotor “hat” is scored or the lining has lifted, the shoes and often the rotor will need replacing.