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Volvo XC60 Hub bearing Change

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Volvo XC60 Hub bearing Change

Volvo XC60 Hub bearing Change
Volvo XC60 Hub bearing Change

Volvo XC60 Hub bearing Change

The grinding front end of a Volvo XC60 is a common problem that can be resolved in Halifax.

At *Pellon Tyre and Autocentre* in Halifax, West Yorkshire, we recently had a beautiful Volvo XC60. Even though it rolled onto the forecourt with a noise that sounded a little like a train entering Brighouse station, I must admit that the car looked great!

Particularly when turning or bumping over obstacles, the client reported hearing a loud grinding noise emanating from the front of the car. My initial suspicion was that it might be a wheel bearing, but we always do a thorough inspection before getting started.

As it moved up the ramp, the usual symptoms of a **worn-out front hub bearing** were evident: a slight wobble on the front wheel.

Volvo XC60 Hub bearing Change
Volvo XC60 Hub bearing Change

Not Just Any Old Job—The Correct Kit Is Needed for This One – Volvo XC60 Hub bearing Change

Now, replacing a Volvo XC60’s front hub bearing isn’t the same as changing a wheel. It’s not your typical job involving nuts and bolts. We took the hub assembly to our **special press machine** to push new bearings into position after removing it. improves the job’s cleanliness, accuracy, and speed significantly.

Bless it, the old bearing had seen better days; it was rough as sandpaper and completely dried out. It was generating a lot of noise, which is understandable! We installed the new one, put the suspension and hub back together, torqued everything to specification, and drove it around the back lanes close to Pellon Lane for a test drive.

Just as quiet as a whisper. Job is a good guy.

A Little About the Volvo XC60: Yorkshire Meets Sweden- Volvo XC60 Hub bearing Change

Now, I was thinking about the XC60 and how common these have become on British roads while I was working on the car. Particularly in and around Halifax, where you need something dependable and safe while you’re running the school run in sideways rain or slicing across the moors in the winter.

Not surprisingly, given that Ford controlled both firms at the time, the **Volvo XC60** was originally introduced in the UK in 2008 and was constructed on the same platform as the Land Rover Freelander. Volvo’s goal was to dominate the mid-size SUV market, and they succeeded admirably. The vehicle swiftly rose to the top of Europe’s premium SUV sales charts.

Haven’t Volvos always been renowned for their safety? returning to the vintage estate vehicles with their large, cushioned dashboards and integrated booster seats. The XC60 transformed that image of being robust and safe into one that is fashionable and upscale. It received a little makeover in 2013 with the addition of sleek LED headlights and cleaner interiors, which are ideal for travelling through the Dales or visiting Halifax’s downtown.

Many local families adore them because they have comfortable seats, ample boot capacity for groceries or pets, and all-wheel drive options for slick conditions up Boothtown Road or on the way to Hebden.

Volvo XC60 Hub bearing Change
Volvo XC60 old and new Hub bearing Change

Typical Issues? We are aware of the warning signs.

The XC60 has its peculiarities, just like any automobile. We’ve observed the front hub bearing problem a few times recently, particularly as they reach the 80 km mark. It sounds like the car is trying to launch a heavy metal band after beginning as a soft humming. We have also had to deal with parking sensor issues and the occasional electrical gremlin, but nothing that our crew is incapable of handling.

It’s always a joy to see people happy knowing their car has been restored correctly and without any faff, and this particular customer left with a big smile (and a lot quieter car).

Taking Care of Yourself (and Your Pocketbook)

Don’t dismiss strange sounds coming from your car’s wheels, such as buzzing, grinding, or a drone that grows worse as you drive. A wheel bearing may be beginning to fail. If you wait too long, it will fail the MOT and perhaps cause more harm.

Whether it’s a Volvo, Vauxhall, or VW, we at Pellon Tyres have the appropriate tools and the correct knowledge to fix it. And we constantly strive to accomplish it without sacrificing quality to save the customer time and money.

You are welcome to give us a call or visit the garage if your car is making any groaning or clunking noises. Soon, we’ll get you back on the road in silence.

I hope you enjoy reading, and if you’re travelling up towards Ogden at this time of year, be careful on the road!

 

Volvo XC60 With Shattered Brake Discs

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Volvo XC60 With Shattered Brake Discs

Volvo XC60 With Shattered Brake Discs
Volvo XC60 With Shattered Brake Discs

Volvo XC60 With Shattered Brake Discs

Volvo XC60: Shattered Brake Discs at Pellon Tyres

It’s always a bit of a head-scratcher when a vehicle comes into Pellon Tyres with a rare and unusual problem. Recently, we had a Volvo XC60 roll into our Halifax garage with something you don’t see every day—a shattered brake disc. Yes, shattered! The sight of the fragmented disc was enough to make even our seasoned team stop and have a good look.

This got us thinking, How does a brake disc end up in such a state? Before we delve into the specifics of the repair and its causes, let’s take a moment to appreciate the Volvo XC60 and give it the respect it deserves. Ultimately, the Volvo XC60 is not just any car, but rather a contemporary marvel.

A Short History of the Volvo XC60-Volvo XC60 With Shattered Brake Discs

The Volvo XC60 is one of those vehicles that seamlessly blends luxury, practicality, and safety, making it a favourite among families and professionals alike. First introduced in 2008, the XC60 marked Volvo’s entry into the competitive mid-size SUV market. And what an entry it was!

The XC60 elevated Volvo’s reputation for safety to unprecedented levels. It was one of the first vehicles to feature City Safety, a groundbreaking automatic braking system that could help prevent low-speed collisions. Over the years, the XC60 has become Volvo’s best-selling model worldwide, thanks to its sleek Scandinavian design, spacious interior, and top-notch reliability.

In the UK, particularly in areas such as Halifax where versatility is crucial, the XC60 has proven to be an ideal choice. Whether you’re navigating the steep inclines of the Calder Valley or cruising on the motorways, the XC60 delivers in style and comfort.

Volvo XC60 With Shattered Brake Discs
Volvo XC60 With Shattered Brake Discs

What Causes a Brake Disc to Shatter?Volvo XC60 With Shattered Brake Discs

Now, back to the issue at hand—a shattered brake disc. It’s not a common problem, but when it happens, it’s a clear sign that something has gone seriously wrong. Let’s look at some of the possible causes:

  1. Extreme Heat Build-Up
    Brake discs are designed to handle heat, but they have their limits. Repeated heavy braking, such as when towing or descending long, steep hills (hello, Halifax! ), can generate excessive heat. If the discs don’t get a chance to cool properly, they can become brittle and prone to cracking—or, in this case, shattering.
  2. Poor-Quality Brake Discs
    While Volvo vehicles are known for their quality, it’s not uncommon for replacement parts to vary in standard. If the disc was a cheap aftermarket part, it may not have been able to withstand the demands of a heavy SUV like the XC60.
  3. Corrosion and Wear
    The weather in our region is not particularly favourable for vehicles. Salted winter roads and constant exposure to damp conditions can cause brake discs to rust and weaken over time. If left unchecked, this can lead to catastrophic failure.
  4. Sudden Impact or Mechanical Failure
    Sometimes, external damage or a malfunction in the braking system can put uneven stress on the disc, causing it to fracture under pressure. For instance, a stone or debris lodged in the brake mechanism could cause significant damage to the disc.
  5. Driver Habits
    While modern braking systems are robust, aggressive or erratic braking habits can push them beyond their limits. If the vehicle is often driven hard or loaded heavily, the strain on the brakes increases significantly.

Diagnosing and Repairing the Volvo XC60

Volvo XC60 With Shattered Brake Discs
Volvo XC60 With Shattered Brake Discs

When this XC60 arrived at our garage, the first step was a thorough inspection of the brake system. The shattered disc was on the front offside wheel, and there were clear signs of extreme heat and wear. We checked the callipers, pads, and hydraulic system for any issues that could have caused uneven pressure or overheating.

The culprit? A combination of worn-out brake pads and poor-quality replacement discs fitted elsewhere. The pads had worn down to the metal, causing excessive friction and heat buildup. This, when coupled with the inferior-quality disc, was a surefire recipe for failure.

We replaced the shattered disc with a high-quality OEM part, fitted brand-new brake pads, and flushed the brake fluid to ensure the system was running perfectly. After a quick test drive (down the steep roads of Pellon Lane, naturally), the XC60 was back to its usual smooth and safe self.

Lessons for Local Drivers

Volvo XC60 With Shattered Brake Discs
Volvo XC60 With Shattered Brake Discs

If there’s one thing to take away from this, it’s the importance of regular maintenance. Brake systems are your vehicle’s most critical safety feature, and ignoring warning signs like squealing brakes, vibrations, or reduced stopping power can lead to costly—and dangerous—failures.

Steep gradients and unpredictable weather in Halifax can severely damage brakes. So whether you’re driving a Volvo XC60, a Ford Ranger, or anything in between, make sure to have your brakes checked regularly. At Pellon Tyres, we’re always happy to help with inspections, repairs, and advice to keep you safe on the road.

A Nod to Volvo

Despite its shattered brake disc, the Volvo XC60 remains one of the safest and most reliable vehicles available. Even when things go wrong, it’s built to protect its passengers, proving once again why Volvo remains a trusted name on UK roads.

If you’ve got any concerns about your brakes—or anything else for that matter—pop into Pellon Tyres. We’re here to keep Halifax rolling smoothly and safely, one repair at a time.

Cheers,
Eric and the Team at Pellon Tyres