brakes xc70 (1999)

whitewagon · Post by **whitewagon** » 13 Feb 2011, 17:25

Just reviewed the repair subjects listings, and didn't see much on brakes in the wheels/suspension subheading. Am wondering if Volvo's have a squeal warning when brake pads get worn down. Need to try to stretch a little longer before brake job since the car just cost me big dollars, and the bank needs time to rebuild, but I know that the bill will be even bigger if I damage rotors stretching too far.

Post by **vjaneczko** » 13 Feb 2011, 17:32

It's not the car that has the squeal warning, it's the pads themselves so it really depends on the pads you've installed.

If you pop the wheel off and take a look at the pad, it should be more than 2mm thick - that's the pad, not the metal plate it's attached on. If it's thinner than that, change 'em now. Rotors should last through about three or four sets of pads (your mileage may vary). If the surface of the rotor is not smooth, it's probably time to get new ones - don't have a shop grind them down. Rotors are cheap and your life isn't.

Changing brake pads is a very easy task, especially on these cars - rotors are even easier. If you've never done it, you can save yourself a ton of Loonies by doing it yourself!

Allen in Hemet · Post by **Allen in Hemet** » 13 Feb 2011, 17:35

No, the factrory oem brake pads, front and rear, DO NOT have worn down brake pad warinings. If you do not know how much pad material you have, then it's time to take the wheels off and take a look. Thankfully, the factory OEM pads and most aftermarket pads are now bonded to the backing plate and not riveted, meaning you can wear them down to about 1/8th inch, but wouldn't let them get much thinner. When you do decide to replace the pads, I recommend Ceramic pads up front, and either Ceramic or Semi metalic in the rears. Most are available at Autozone, carparts.com, partstrain.com, fcpgroton.com (sponser of this website), and so on.

Post by **jblackburn** » 13 Feb 2011, 21:28

I had that much of the pad left on my fronts, and they squealed like crazy (those were the OEM pads with about 55,000 miles on them.)

I also recommend the ceramic pads - they grab better than OEM ones even when cold, don't make a lot of dust, and don't squeal. I used Akebonos and Zimmerman cross-drilled rotors.

Post by **vjaneczko** » 14 Feb 2011, 06:59

jblackburn wrote: I used Akebonos and Zimmerman cross-drilled rotors.

I have the same setup and it's fan-frickin-tastic. I also replaced the brake lines with stainless steel ones to make it look better, but stomping on the brakes has a rock-solid feel without a hint of noise.

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whitewagon · Post by **whitewagon** » 16 Feb 2011, 14:56

Thanks for the responses. With a little help, it sounds like I could find myself under the front fenders soon.

Post by **jblackburn** » 16 Feb 2011, 15:13

This is a great guide to help you out:

http://www.freewebs.com/dacvolvo/brakediscsandpads.htm