Rear brake caliper sticking?

i have an '83 volvo 240 DL and it sounds like the rear brake caliper is sticking. when i brake, initially it sounds fine but then im at the bottom of the pedal travel the rear starts to make a grinding sound ( i recently changed the pads and the sound went away). when i accelerate again, it makes a slight grinding noise. when i put the car in reverse and start to back up, it stutters like a " grab and let go, grab and let go " type of motion. kind of like the pads were on the verge of holding. then it seems like the wheel then breaks away from the pad and then i can back up normally. what are the symptoms of a sticking caliper? does this sound like it ? what can i do besides replace the caliper? thanks ..

They are the symptoms you describe---you can only replace the caliper. There have ALWAYS been problems with Volvo Calipers---particularly the 240 Bendix. Wecome to the Club :) Don'screw around with it--get a rebuilt one at Auto Zone or O'Reilly. I would not recommend a used one unless you know it is of good operating condition. Get used to servicing your Volvo brakes regularly, and usually, more often than other types of Imports---they are a thorn in 240/740 Series---if you need other parts or advice---drop me a line---I did six years of Volvo reconditioning---and have the parts supplies to prove it :)

Before reversing do you put handbrtake on? Sounds like the noise often from handbrake coming off in reverse from your description. To check whether calpier is sticking. Jack each rear wheel up in turn with handbrake off. Apply footbrake and see if wheel turns either way easily after releasing footbrake. If this is ok calipers are OK. Front calipers more prone to problems than rear.
Good luck

Mike