Volvo Repair: hard brake pedal s40 2004 1.6, slide pins, maintnence

Question
Dear James. I have a serious problem with my brakes from the very first time i bought the car S40 1.6 (ENGINE TYPE B4164S FEBR. 2004). When i start the engine in the morning, or when the car is not running for a long time, the first 4-5 times i hit the brakes are very hard.I must use all of my strength to stop it.After that they act properly!!!!!!!! My volvo provider change the servo valve and nothing happend. Then he change my servo and still nothing!!!!!!I left the car 2 days to check it in the morning, and he did not see anything wrong!!!! I asked other providers here in greece if they know anything about but no one has heard this before.I am not crazy.The car has problem. One of the reasons i bought volvo was for my family's safty.What to do? Please help me. Sorry for my english and i hope to make you understand the problem i have.  

Answer
First, I'm sorry for the delay getting to your question.  I have been in orlando for the past few days for XC90 V8 training and have been unable to take emails.

There may be a problem with the brake booster.  It would usually happen all the time though.  It could still be something to investigate.  Also there may be something stuck inside the brake modulator.  You should try getting your brake system flushed and bled first and see if that helps.  Thats part of the scheduled maintnence for the car and alot of times it doesn't get done.  The only other thing i can think of is the slide pins for the calipers are sticking.  The calipers are held in by a bolt that has a smooth surface on the side of it for the calpier to slide on.  If it isn't greased properly it makes noise and can sometimes cause a slow brake pedal.  Perhaps your calipers are binding on the slides initially and after you stop the first time they aren't as sticky.  Hope that helps some.

James