2007 S60 2.5T AWD; replacing brake pads/rotors

orby626 · Post by **orby626** » 09 Apr 2012, 05:41

I am planning on changing my pads and rotors to get rid of the brake dust (will use Akebono ceramic). I have 45K miles on the car, and haven't had any brake problems, just brake dust.

Question I can't find an answer to: what size are the rotors I should get? I measured them and they measure 11.05 inches, which equates to the 288mm rotors. Volvo part numbers on the rotors are front: 9434167 and rear: 9461337. Can I upgrade to the 12" rotors; I have the 17" Tucana wheels, or do I need to stick to the 11"

Also, how do I know the rotors need replacing, without taking them off and taking them to the auto parts store to have them measured?

Finally, Brembo has several replacement rotors but are the higher priced ones worth it, or should I stick to Volvo OE?

Thanks all.

Post by **fazool** » 09 Apr 2012, 09:51

I have a 2007 S60 2.5T AWD also.

I do all my own brake work. I'd love to have a set of larger brakes but if you go with the larger rotors you will need a new caliper bracket to hold the calipers in the new position.

I get aftermarket rotors and pads and just buy the best quality aftermarket that Advance Auto sells.

As for replacement need - you need to measure them with a micrometer if you are unsure. Usually you can tell by eye if they are getting thin but I've always replaced rotors due to wear marks, scorring, ridging etc *WAY* before they get too thin, so visually you can usually tell.

orby626 · Post by **orby626** » 09 Apr 2012, 11:52

Copy all, so I will stick with the 11" rotors.

Are you telling me there isn't a big difference in quality if I buy the best AutoZone/Oreilly's has to offer versus Brembo versus OE?

Did you go with ceramic pads, and did they help with the brake dust?

Thanks for the quick reply.

Post by **fazool** » 09 Apr 2012, 11:59

I use semi metallic I don't remember which exactly - I think I used wearever gold last time. There was a particular issue about ceramics that steered me away from them. I do wish I had less dust however. Stopping distance and stopping power have never been a problem - the only reason I would have to change is for dust reduction.

orby626 · Post by **orby626** » 09 Apr 2012, 12:13

I'm going with the ceramicss; the folks over at fcpeuro have highly recommended the Akebono, and I did the research on several ceramic replacements. I will let you know how they peform.

BTW, do you do your own oil changes as well?

orby626 · Post by **orby626** » 18 Apr 2012, 13:34

Finished the brake job; very simple job. A few quick tips: use a lift if you can, otherwise it's tough on your back bending over. take a picture of the caliper springs so you install them on correctly. Every repair site, including some other forums stated that the bolts that hold the caliper carrier need to be replaced; I did not, but do intend to take them off and add red loctite or order the bolts from fcpeuro and replace, just in case. Also, the guide pin for the rotors needs to be torqued to a light torque, but I couldn't find the specs anywhere. I spoke with fcpeuro and was told by "Dr. J" to hand tighten, so don't overtighten like I did at first. Finally, the rear brake pads (OE) had an adhesive, but using a silicone grease will suffice for replacements. That's about it. Took about 3 hours total, and a good set of metric tools.

Post by **chrism** » 18 Apr 2012, 13:58

I would tend to think ceramic pads would accelerate rotor wear. Does anyone have first hand knowledge? (my cheapness outweighs my desire for clean wheels.)

Post by **cn90** » 07 Oct 2024, 16:39

This is from a 2006 Volvo S60 that I inherited from an irresponsible P.O.
The brake still worked fine with good stopping power, but I knew I had to replace the rear pads.

This tells me that if you really want to push the pads to 1-2 mm, you can, but you need to inspect frequently...

PS: OTOH, throwing away pads with thickness of 6 mm is wasteful, imho...

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Post by **Krons** » 07 Oct 2024, 20:15

cn90 wrote: ↑07 Oct 2024, 16:39 This is from a 2006 Volvo S60 that I inherited from an irresponsible P.O.
The brake still worked fine with good stopping power, but I knew I had to replace the rear pads.

This tells me that if you really want to push the pads to 1-2 mm, you can, but you need to inspect frequently...

PS: OTOH, throwing away pads with thickness of 6 mm is wasteful, imho...

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S60-Rear-Brake.jpg

A few years ago my kid said his 02 S60 was “making noise” when braking…one rear pad was in fact at zero lol. Not a big deal as it needed rotors too anyway.

Post by **cn90** » 14 Oct 2024, 10:33

Well,

I spoke too soon. I posted photos of the REAR pads above.

This weekend I was working on the CV boots for the FRONT axles on the 2006 S60 with 106K miles.
The pads might be original or maybe the 2nd set, idk.
Well, the FRONT INNER pads (where they contact the piston) basically fell off in my hands!
OUTER pads did not fall off.

So, if you ever lose the pad material, don't panic, press the brake pedal a few times, this will allow the metal
plate to contact the rotor, allowing you to stop the car.

Questions for the brake gurus:

1. Age...like tires, do brake pads have a lifespan in terms of age?
Let's say you don't drive much, is there an age when you just replace the pads bc fear of delamination?

2. Does anyone know how they attach the pad to the plate at the factory?
Was it heated really hot so it baked into the metal plate?

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