Dead Brake Discs & Pads Vs New Discs & Pads...

Dacvolvo · Post by **Dacvolvo** » 01 Jul 2006, 15:25

It's funny, most people when modding their cars, never think about upgrading the brakes. It's usually bigger alloys, dump valves, induction kits, exhausts, sound system. But modding brakes is something that is usually on most folks "to do list"...

I only thought about upgrading my discs and pads a few weeks ago - I've been driving for 12 years and never once have I upgraded to better discs and pads.

Anyways, about 2/3 weeks ago, the S70 was a little sluggish when braking from the usual high speed runs, so I ordered 20 grooved 3G vented discs and Ceramic Red Stuff pads for the font wheels.

I was horrified at the condition of the old discs and pads when I removed them earlier today. The first set of pads to be removed had a large crack and deep grooves cut into them:

The 2nd set of pads to be removed were pretty much in the same condition with rust, dis-colouring, deep cut grooves were metal was touching metal and cracks:

Even when the discs were removed, they were practically crumbling in my hands. The rust and metal was simply flaking off as I removed them from the car. Here's a piccy of the old standard one that came off and the new 20 grooved 3G effort, side by side:

Here's another piccy of the discs I took this morning:

I'm ashamed... But the weird thing is the car was still braking well and it's only because I drive it every day that I noticed a slight lack of biting when braking - and that was from 70mph! so at lower speeds, there was no difference.

But with the new discs and pads fitted, it feels amazing - the Volvo brakes instantly and I think I might have to invest in better tyres now to try and keep up with the new power that I've discovered under that middle pedal!

The difference with the new discs and pads in place is unbelievable. Only took about about 2 hours to carry out. Here's the end product:

Seriously though, if you've not upgraded your brakes on your pride and joy, but you have increased the power, then have a think about making it the next mod on your "to do list".

Post by **matthew1** » 01 Jul 2006, 18:26

Excellent post David. Stickyed.

Post by **MadeInJapan** » 01 Jul 2006, 21:47

Brand and prices and where you bought these if you don't mind. I'm feeling the same "power loss" from about 70mph on mine. Also never changed from stock. Wondering how the rears were and if you did anything with them?
Btw, they look really sharp!

Dacvolvo · Post by **Dacvolvo** » 02 Jul 2006, 06:59

Cheers, Matthew

MadeInJapan wrote:Brand and prices and where you bought these if you don't mind.

No probs, MiJ

The discs are 20 grooved front vented efforts from a company call 3G Performance braking. Price for the front pair of discs are

Post by **MadeInJapan** » 02 Jul 2006, 09:14

Thanks man...wonder if the rotors are available somewhere here in the States? I'll want to do this or similar before the year's up, I'm sure. Please keep us up to date on how they're fairing or if there are any issues with them...squeeks, etc. over the next few months.

Dacvolvo · Post by **Dacvolvo** » 02 Jul 2006, 09:19

MadeInJapan wrote:Thanks man...wonder if the rotors are available somewhere here in the States? I'll want to do this or similar before the year's up, I'm sure. Please keep us up to date on how they're fairing or if there are any issues with them...squeeks, etc. over the next few months.

Will do, MiJ

As this is now a sticky, I thought it'd be helpful to have a little "How to" page on fitting the new pads and discs.

Here's a page from my "How to" section on the S70:

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

Post by **MadeInJapan** » 02 Jul 2006, 12:41

Thank you for the nice write up. Just wondering if you had rust on the axle bearing housing you attach your rotor to before adding the new rotor. If so, did you use a wire brush to get it off or was it a non-item to contend with.

Dacvolvo · Post by **Dacvolvo** » 02 Jul 2006, 14:55

MadeInJapan wrote:Thank you for the nice write up. Just wondering if you had rust on the axle bearing housing you attach your rotor to before adding the new rotor. If so, did you use a wire brush to get it off or was it a non-item to contend with.

Nope, no rust, on the axel bearing housing when the old disc was removed. It was a dull colour, yes, but no rust was present. If there was rust, a small wire brush would have been my first choice for removing

l33tDad · Post by **l33tDad** » 11 Jul 2006, 14:01

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

From your site:
To begin, put a brick behind each of the rear tyres, turn the steering wheel to whichever...

Do you mean a masonary brick or a 240? Sorry, I couldn't let that one go...

Ronniedasaint · Post by **Ronniedasaint** » 24 Mar 2007, 15:18

I am thinking about changing the rotors and brake pads on my 850 as I've noticed the breaking isn't as sharp as it once was. How do you know what size rotors to buy? Also, what determines the quality of the break pads?