740 / 760

1982-1992 / Sedan / Estate / Sweden

All 740 / 760 problems All workshop issues

Common Brakes

Rear Caliper Seizing

Symptoms

Handbrake sticks on, one rear wheel gets hot, pulling to one side, burning smell after driving.

Cause

The rear calipers have an integrated handbrake mechanism that corrodes if the handbrake isn't used regularly. Volvo blokes in damp climates see this all the time.

Fix

Rebuild the rear calipers (seal kits are cheap) or replace them with reman units. While you're in there, replace the brake hoses, they're probably original and will fail soon.

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// More 740 / 760 problems

Other known issues

Common Brakes

Brake Accumulator Failure (ABS Models)

ABS light on, hard brake pedal, pump runs constantly or not at all.

Critical Engine

Oil Leaks from Cam Seals and Valve Cover Gasket

Oil puddles under the front of the engine, sometimes dripping onto the exhaust manifold and smoking. The valve cover gasket weeps oil down the side of the block.

Critical Engine

Timing Belt Failure

The engine dies instantly, often with a loud slap or clatter. Won't restart. If you're lucky, it just stops; if you're unlucky, bent valves and a destroyed head.

Common Engine

Flame Trap Clogging (PCV System)

Rough idle, oil leaks from every seal, oil in the intake tract, sometimes a whistling noise from the crankcase breather.

Critical Engine

Oil Consumption (Turbo Models)

Blue smoke on startup or under boost. Oil level drops a quart every 500-1000 miles.

Critical Cooling System

Radiator and Heater Core Leaks

Sweet smell in the cabin, puddles of coolant under the car, overheating, fogged windscreen that won't clear.

View all 27 740 / 760 problems