PV444 / PV544

1947-1965 / Sedan / Sweden

All PV444 / PV544 problems All workshop issues

Critical Brakes

Single-Circuit Drum Brakes

Symptoms

Brakes pull to one side on first application. Pedal feel is spongy or inconsistent. No dual circuit, if the hydraulics fail, you have almost no brakes.

Cause

Drums don't self-clean like discs. Moisture, dust, and heat affect performance. Single-circuit means one leak = total failure.

Fix

Adjust regularly.

Replace wheel cylinders and brake shoes as needed.

Some owners convert to Amazon front discs and dual-circuit master cylinder.

Know something we don't?

Owned a Volvo PV444 / PV544? Share your experience with this issue. What worked, what didn't, costs, tips. Help the community.

Submit an update

// More PV444 / PV544 problems

Other known issues

Critical Brakes

Brake Fluid Leaks

Wet patches at wheel cylinders, master cylinder, or brake pipes.

Common Body and Rust

Front Wings and Headlight Bowls

The top of the front wings (fenders) rust badly, especially above the headlights and around the indicator lights. The headlight bowls themselves corrode from the inside.

Critical Body and Rust

Sills (Rocker Panels)

The sills rot, badly. All three sections, outer sill, inner sill, and the welded-in reinforcement, corrode together.

Critical Body and Rust

Chassis Legs and Subframe

The front chassis legs (beams) and subframe corrode, particularly where the subframe bolts to the chassis. In extreme cases, engine mounts fail and the engine literally drops.

Common Body and Rust

Doors and Drain Holes

Doors rust at the bottom. Hinges sag or seize. Water sits inside the door skin.

Critical Body and Rust

Boot Floor and Spare Wheel Container

The boot (trunk) floor and spare wheel well rust through. Fuel tank can corrode or leak.

View all 23 PV444 / PV544 problems