The V70 had been suspended for several months, although it was kept on a trickle charger and warmed up weekly.
Even so, it’s important that the car remains on standby and has a valid APK inspection, so the suspension can be lifted digitally with just a few clicks—allowing the V70 to legally return to the road (and, of course, letting the Dutch government happily collect diesel tax again 😉).
So, it was time for the 2024 APK inspection. During the check, the inspector noted that the left front wheel didn’t spin freely enough, but after some persuasion it was deemed to be within acceptable limits.
However, once the V70 was registered as approved, a random RDW inspection was triggered. After waiting an hour, the RDW inspector arrived—and concluded that the wheel did not spin freely enough after all. Moving the car, braking, and placing it back on the lift likely caused the already weak brake caliper to seize again.
Result: the APK approval was withdrawn, and action had to be taken on the brake caliper.
The left front brake caliper was replaced, after which the V70 passed its re-inspection and is once again fully operational if needed.
Since the right brake caliper is just as old, it will be replaced in the near future as well. Unfortunately, the right caliper was not available in time for the (free) re-inspection. For now, the right side has received new brake pads, and the caliper will be replaced later once parts are available—the re-inspection appointment was already scheduled
