Brakes

vrookie · Post by **vrookie** » 07 Feb 2012, 09:30

I just purchased a 1987 760 4cyl. turbo that needs brakes.
Can anyone how to contact the mfg to find out what size rotors to get and name brand calipers to buy my vehicle ID is YV1GX8747H1019792

Post by **fazool** » 07 Feb 2012, 10:50

Congratulations and welcome to our world

I had a 1986 740GLE - the car that turned me into a Volvo-for-lifer. A couple of comments:

I am not sure if they are identical but I presume the 740 and 760 brakes are very similar. My 740 was the most serviceable car I've ever owned. The rear brakes had one bolt. The other was a hinged pin, so you remove ONE bolt, swing the caliper up and the old pads fell out, set new ones in, swing the caliper down, reinstall one bolt.

I think I actually got entire rear brake job (both sides, including lifting the car and R&R on tires) down to 20 minutes.

Absolutely the most enjoyable DIY car I've ever owned (and I used to wrench on old small block street rods).

So, congratulations again.

As for your rotor and caliper size, its really not going to be real helpful for you to simply spec the size, because most online places you order from, and every storefront you go into, will step you through your selection by year/make/model/engine/options

So, simply go to any such place and shop around online. There are a few suppliers we all are familiar with linked above on these pages. I also use the big retail chains when I need a nearby store. They are all pretty equal but I slightly prefer AdvanceAuto.

Your parking brakes are traditional shoe style drums and the rear rotors are dual service - they have the discs for the main brakes and the drum insides for the parking brakes. If you are going to the trouble of replacing your rear rotors, you might as well replace the rear parking shoes. I also suggest getting the hardware kit from the delaer (spring clips, etc.) Its only like $10-15 I think.

ed7 · Post by **ed7** » 07 Feb 2012, 11:58

The component ID plate on the 'B' pillar (left side passenger door jamb) will tell you what brakes you have front and back and which steering rack you have and a few other things. Your local and on-line parts supplier can help you if you can help them with your car's info.
Get a Haynes manual.
Ed

vrookie · Post by **vrookie** » 07 Feb 2012, 14:28

I'm asked by parts dealer FCP if rotors are 10.25' or 11.25' inches in diameter and if my calipers are Bendix or Girling

Post by **fazool** » 07 Feb 2012, 14:48

Well FCP Groton is a popular place so I am suprised they can't tell you.

Apparently there are a few options. Usually its tied to trim level and/or engine size. (bigger engines=higher performance = bigger brakes, etc.)

You might be able to give them your VIN and embedded within that number are relevant codes for your trim level, options, etc.

When John Q. Public went into their dealer to buy a car, they chose the trim level and options they wanted. They never had any discussion about whether they wanted Bendix or Gerlig calipers. It was part of a package. So its very unusualy for a typical consumer to know that info and, its very typical for the seller to decode your options.

Think about this, Volvo lots of these cars. Everyone needs brakes. Several times in their car-lifetime. Hundreds of thousands (if not millions) of brakes. Dealers, corner mechanics, brake shops, DIY-ers. Everyone replaces these brakes. No where is it defined if they have 10.5" or 11.25" rotors.

Sorry, but it seems ridiculous to me that a parts dealer can't help you determine your part. It's not like you and your neighbor with identical cars and identical trim and identical options could possibly have different brakes from the factory. If you did, then one of you would always be screwed when you went for a repair.

I had *ONE* situation where this happened - I ordered a car for my wife and it was the first one in America (n, really the first one on American soil) and they were behind production on brakes so I got free upgraded brakes. Whenever I did a repair I had to pretend I had the higher trim level to get my rear brakes because they didn't come on my model/trim.

Anyway, I can completely envision a scenario where there might be confusion (because I lived it) but I find it ludicrous that a parts dealer is not capable of helping you.

I would go somewhere else. Just on a whim I clicked on a different online supplier and by picking the year/model/engine and "brakes" I got to a page with two choices for brakes with heavy duty and without heavy duty. Both list Gerlig.

So, you should be able to tell from your options (standard or heavy duty) and you should be able to get THAT from the VIN.

lummert · Post by **lummert** » 07 Feb 2012, 15:06

Does the car have ABS?

vrookie · Post by **vrookie** » 08 Feb 2012, 07:06

No ABS

Post by **billofdurham** » 08 Feb 2012, 12:42

Look at the Product Plate located on the passenger's side of the front radiator cross brace which has the following additional information in the five lines on the right of the label

: untitled.jpg (36.71 KiB) Viewed 1100 times

Bill.

vrookie · Post by **vrookie** » 26 Feb 2012, 08:51

Bill
Thanks for your input that label is missing on my car,if you or any member could tell me how to contact Volvo to get the information on Rotor size and caliper brand for a 1987 760 turbo sedan 4cyl. I would be very grateful.

Sorry it took me so long to reply

Post by **billofdurham** » 26 Feb 2012, 11:37

This link will take you to Volvo Cars "Contact us". Telephone or email quoting the Vehicle Identification Number.

Bill.