Parts for your 2017 Volvo Xc60-Brake wheel cylinders

Brake Wheel Cylinders on the 2017 Volvo XC60: What You Need to Know

When it comes to braking systems, different vehicles use different components depending on their design and technology. For the 2017 Volvo XC60, it is important to note that brake wheel cylinders are not part of its braking setup. Now, you might be wondering why this is the case and what it means for the car's maintenance. Let's explore the facts behind this.

Brake wheel cylinders are typically used in drum brake systems, which apply braking force to the inside of a rotating drum attached to the wheel. The cylinder contains pistons that push the brake shoes outward against the drum to slow the vehicle down. However, the 2017 Volvo XC60 does not use drum brakes on any of its wheels. Instead, it employs disc brakes all around, which is common for modern SUVs and passenger vehicles.

Disc brakes use calipers that squeeze brake pads onto a rotating disc or rotor, creating friction to slow the car. This setup offers better performance, cooling, and maintenance benefits over drum brakes. Because the 2017 Volvo XC60 uses disc brakes for both the front and rear wheels, it does not require brake wheel cylinders. Instead, it relies on brake calipers, brake pads, and rotors to handle stopping power.

Choosing an all-disc brake setup means the XC60 enjoys many advantages including improved heat dissipation, more consistent braking in wet conditions, and easier inspection and replacement of brake components. It also simplifies the brake system by eliminating the need for brake wheel cylinders, return springs, and other drum brake hardware.

That is why when servicing the brakes on a 2017 Volvo XC60, attention is focused on the calipers, pads, rotors and hydraulic lines rather than brake wheel cylinders. Now, for those who are curious about brake wheel cylinders themselves, here's a bit more info about what they do and why they matter on vehicles that have them.

Brake wheel cylinders are a vital component in vehicles with drum brakes. They are small cylindrical devices located inside each wheel's drum that convert the hydraulic pressure from the brake fluid into mechanical force. This force pushes out the brake shoes against the drum, creating the friction needed to slow or stop the vehicle. Each wheel cylinder typically has two pistons, one on each side, which extend outward when the brake pedal is pressed.

The condition of brake wheel cylinders is critical for safe braking. If a cylinder leaks brake fluid or the internal seals wear out, the braking force will be reduced and the brake pedal might feel spongy. Sometimes, corrosion can cause the pistons to stick, leading to uneven brake application and premature wear of the brake shoes. For vehicles with drum brakes, replacing or servicing the wheel cylinders is a common maintenance task to keep the brakes functioning correctly.

For owners of older or more basic models with drum brakes, it is recommended to check brake wheel cylinders during brake service intervals. Signs of wear or damage include brake fluid leaks near the drum, a soft brake pedal, or a vehicle pulling to one side when braking. If any of these symptoms show up, wheel cylinders usually need a rebuild or replacement.

Although the 2017 Volvo XC60 does not have brake wheel cylinders because it uses disc brakes, the principle of keeping brake components well-maintained remains essential. For the XC60, this means regularly inspecting brake pads for wear, checking the rotors for grooves or warping, ensuring the calipers move freely, and topping up brake fluid as needed.

Professional servicing of the braking system should include pressure testing the hydraulic system and making sure there are no leaks in brake lines or seals. Using quality brake pads and parts specific to the Volvo XC60 will help maintain the vehicle's excellent stopping performance and safety.

In short, the 2017 Volvo XC60's braking system is a solid, modern disc brake design that does not involve brake wheel cylinders. While these cylinders are critical for drum brake systems, disc brakes equipped with calipers provide superior braking efficiency and easier servicing. Therefore, if you own this model, your focus when maintaining brakes will centre on the pads, rotors, calipers and fluid, rather than worrying about brake wheel cylinders.