Replacing only front rotors...

sacksyboy · Post by **sacksyboy** » 27 Dec 2010, 20:19

Hi,

About to buy a 04' XC70 (100K mi.). The back rotors look fine but the front look like they need replacing (grooved and thin). My question is, is it bad to replace only the front with different rotors (Zimmerman) and possibly pads (Akebono) compared to the stock rotors and pads at the back?

I think I may have to replace the front pads too. They are brand new but looks like the grooves in the worn rotors will mess them up for the new rotors, yes?

I am a noob so go easy on me.

Thanks.

Post by **precopster** » 28 Dec 2010, 02:07

Welcome to the forum. Front brakes have different wear rates than rear brakes (around 75% BIAS TO THE FRONT) so it's perfectly OK to have one axle changed at a time. All workshops operate the same way. Yes, definitely change the pads with new ones if the rotors are to be replaced.

The new rotors will last longer with new pads and the rotors and pads' mating surfaces will match. If the old rotors are thin, scored, glazed and grooved as you mentioned, the pads will probably have been overheated.

If you are doing it yourself make sure you remove all anti-rust coating from the disc with a non-oil based spirit. It is very important to bed in new pads as per the manufacturer's recommendations. This may involve 5-6 hard stops from 35mph without coming to a full stop.

Not too sure about Akebono pads, they may be a ceramic pad, can anyone chime in here?

sacksyboy · Post by **sacksyboy** » 28 Dec 2010, 07:59

Thank you, very helpful.

Yes, Akebono are ceramic and the forum has some glowing reviews about them (as well as Zimmerman rotors). I did see a youtube video that also outlined the importance of using brake cleaner on the rotors as well as the grease supplied.

Post by **confused_al** » 28 Dec 2010, 08:43

I am using Akebono Euro for all my Volovs' now, they are great, little dust and good braking power. Rotor wise, I switched from Zimmerman to ATE PremiumOne, not only because ATE is only half as much as Zimmer, (use Matt's amazon.com link you will find it), but also Zimmer is so easy get rusted all over. Moreover, I buy into the theory that hard pads are better to pair with softer rotors or vice versa. Ceramic pads are harder than semi metallic pad such as Volvo oems.

The bed-in procedure is a bit differ for ceramic pads...
http://www.tirerack.com/brakes/tech/tec ... ?techid=85

BTW, here is a couple of very good DIY write-ups:
http://www.freewebs.com/dacvolvo/brakediscsandpads.htm
http://volvospeed.com/850fbrake1.php

sacksyboy · Post by **sacksyboy** » 28 Dec 2010, 10:15

Again...very helpful information. Thank you.

Are you experiencing 2x pads to every 1x rotor replacement? Do they salt the roads where you are?

Post by **confused_al** » 28 Dec 2010, 16:27

sacksyboy wrote:Are you experiencing 2x pads to every 1x rotor replacement?

If you use genuine Volvo pads and rotor that is usually the life span. Ceramic pads might wear rotor a bit faster and the pads themself last a bit longer.

sacksyboy wrote:Do they salt the roads where you are?

About the average in east coast, less than Ohio where I use to live.

sacksyboy · Post by **sacksyboy** » 29 Dec 2010, 19:19

Thanks.

BTW - I hate dealers, scum of the earth. Secured the '04 XC70, ready for pickup next morning. Dealer sells at higher price to woman that walks in as they open. He really lived up to the poor reputation they have.

Post by **JRL** » 29 Dec 2010, 19:44

If you do use Zimmermans, they make a COATED rotor that's about $5 more than the standard rotors and it's not as prone to rusting and discoloring.
I just bought a pair for a car I'm working on, about $35 per rotor, not bad

Do NOT buy the slotted rotors for the street, they don't get hot enough and make a lot of noise as they get a bit older

Post by **precopster** » 29 Dec 2010, 23:51

JRL you may have missed the thread purpose: sacksyboy started the thread because he was about to buy a '04 XC 70 which he wanted brake advice about.

The dealer sold the car to someone else. Sorry to hear it sacksysboy.

Next time insist on leaving a deposit, they can't do a double take on you or at least it's less likely!!

sacksyboy · Post by **sacksyboy** » 31 Dec 2010, 16:08

I have learned from my lesson - looking to buy from private seller only.

I will have to replace rotors regardsless of which XC70 I find so the information is really helpful - Thank you.