Brake pad question

whaleplane · Post by **whaleplane** » 06 Jan 2011, 17:10

Hey guys,

I'm getting ready to change the brake pads on my 2006 XC90 2.5t. My question is preference of brake pad. I've checked IPD, Genuine volvo, Europarts and even Autozone. It looks like the price varies(larger size ceramic pads) from $69 - $105 depending on the source. My first thought is to stay with the OEM parts from Volvo but if I can save a few dollars and get a good quality part I'm all for that. If it's not possible I will count the large amount of dollars I'm saving by doing it myself as my reward.

Any and all comments/experience would be appreciated.

TexasCoder · Post by **TexasCoder** » 06 Jan 2011, 18:48

I have been changing my brake pads with the OEM Volvo parts for years. A few years back I tried a set (all 4 wheels) with AutoZone's Duralast Gold (Ceramic), and they were horrible. About 1,000 miles into them they were squealing and spreading dust all over the place, no where near the staying power of the OEM brand. I pride myself in doing as much of the work as possible, and remember taking it easy on the first 100 miles of these pads, trying to break them in gently.

From all my experience with my XC90, going with OEM pads is the only way to go. With the weight of the vehicle, you don't want to skimp on the stopping power. As for the rotors, I can't say that I have seen a difference between the OEM from IPD and the after market from FCP Groton. The only tie breaker there is whoever has them in stock, usually FCP has the after market in stock.

But, I do have to confess, I buy the Duralast rotors and pads for my dodge intrepid. Considering that a full set of rotors and pads for all wheels runs me roughly 180.00 bucks, I am not too concerned with wear and tear. I can live with brake replacements every 20-30k on the Intrepid. But considering I have the wife and kiddos in the XC90 in Dallas traffic, I tend to spend more on servicing the Volvo.

Hope this helps...

Post by **stone36** » 08 Jan 2011, 10:09

I did the front and went after market rotor OEM pad, mainly because at 55K it was still the original pad and that was impressive. That being said the OEM is SUPER dirty on the wheels IMO. But not noisy, been on them about 10K now...

whaleplane · Post by **whaleplane** » 09 Jan 2011, 15:51

I went ahead and bought the Volvo pads. Sometimes cheaper will work but I had a feeling brake pads don't apply to that philosophy.

Thanks for the responses. They confirmed my thoughts.