Let's just say there is a huge difference in quality. These aftermarket rotors were not the cheapies but the upgraded ones from O'Reilly Auto Parts. The quality was so poor that we took them back and opted for OEM Volvo. The casting quality was lousy, the rotor was thinner (you can see the vented area is smaller too) and it's completely missing the venting down by the rotor hat.
OEM stuff is not cheap, but there's a reason.
OEM vs aftermarket brake rotors
- rspi
- Posts: 7303
- Joined: 5 November 2011
- Year and Model: 850 T-5R Wagon
- Location: Cincinnati OH
- Has thanked: 34 times
- Been thanked: 72 times
-
Contact:
Contact rspi..
The after market ones are great if you're about to sell the car. 
'95 855 T-5R M, Panther - 22/28 mpg, 546,000 miles
'95 955 T-5R Yellow Wagon, Lemonade, 180,000 miles
--------------------
Volvo's of past: '87 740 GLE, '79 262C Bertone, '78 264, 960's, '98 S70 GLT, '95 850 T-5R YellowVolvo Repair Videos
'95 955 T-5R Yellow Wagon, Lemonade, 180,000 miles
--------------------
Volvo's of past: '87 740 GLE, '79 262C Bertone, '78 264, 960's, '98 S70 GLT, '95 850 T-5R YellowVolvo Repair Videos
-
Jono51
- Posts: 43
- Joined: 23 September 2011
- Year and Model: V70XC, 1999
- Location: Wellington, New Zealand
- Been thanked: 1 time
Aftermarket is not necessarily bad, but the quality varies and you tend to get what you pay for. I was very happy with the set of Brembo front rotors I sourced for my V70XC at a very reasonable cost.
If God had meant cars to have fuel injection, he never would have given us the SU carburetter
-
Davie Motors
- Posts: 9
- Joined: 26 January 2012
- Year and Model: all models
- Location: Florida
GO WITH OEM
-
asimba2
- Posts: 95
- Joined: 13 December 2011
- Year and Model: 850 Turbo, 1995
- Location: Northern California
I agree with you on the Brembos...I read enough good things about their blanks that I just ordered a set for my 4Runner. I will also be going with the same "Brake Best" brand ceramic brake pads that I threw on my gf's 940 turbo...they provided way more stopping power, her wheels stay clean now and thank goodness we finally found a cure for the infamous Volvo squealing brakes.
- MoVolvos
- Posts: 5271
- Joined: 15 January 2012
- Year and Model: S&V70XC,S60,C30,XC90
- Location: NC
- Has thanked: 310 times
- Been thanked: 524 times
-
My car purchased in Jan 12 came with drilled units front and rear with very little wear however the rear pads were worn but not to the indicator and making a hint of fine metallic noise. Needed to adjust the E-Brakes so changed the rear pads to O'Reilly's $13.00 pads and pedal is higher braking improved and smoother. The drill units should be Aftermarket I believe but don't know which brand.
Had to brake abruptly but not hard a few times with my folks in the car and they thought my brakes grabbed too well. Remember friend's 83 240 with Intercooler (installed by Dealer during front bodywork after crash) and his brakes were very sensitive. Are all Volvo's brakes Sensitive (good sensitive)?
Blessings,
BKM
-
My car purchased in Jan 12 came with drilled units front and rear with very little wear however the rear pads were worn but not to the indicator and making a hint of fine metallic noise. Needed to adjust the E-Brakes so changed the rear pads to O'Reilly's $13.00 pads and pedal is higher braking improved and smoother. The drill units should be Aftermarket I believe but don't know which brand.
Had to brake abruptly but not hard a few times with my folks in the car and they thought my brakes grabbed too well. Remember friend's 83 240 with Intercooler (installed by Dealer during front bodywork after crash) and his brakes were very sensitive. Are all Volvo's brakes Sensitive (good sensitive)?
Blessings,
BKM
-
Blessings,
BKM
2008 C30 T5 2.0 M66
2007 S60 2.5T - New Project
2003 S80 T6 Transmission DIED
2000 S70 SE Base - New Project
1998 S70 T5 Prior
1989 240 Wagon Prior
BKM
2008 C30 T5 2.0 M66
2007 S60 2.5T - New Project
2003 S80 T6 Transmission DIED
2000 S70 SE Base - New Project
1998 S70 T5 Prior
1989 240 Wagon Prior
I've never had an issue with aftermarket discs [rotors] I avoid the cheapest and go for mid range ones as I'm really hard on brakes. Currently running Black Diamond drilled and slotted 302mm with EBC Ceramic pads and race spec fluid.
855 T-5 RHD Blue: MBC, Custom Map based on Rica, K&N Filter, 18T Turbocharger, White/Green injectors [depends on my mood], Blue Silicone vacuum hoses
-
jblackburn
- MVS Moderator
- Posts: 14043
- Joined: 8 June 2008
- Year and Model: 1998 S70 T5
- Location: Alexandria, VA
- Has thanked: 9 times
- Been thanked: 19 times
I really enjoyed the Zimmermans with Akebono pads.
I warped them after about 45K, but that was probably more my driving than anything else. The Volvo ones do not last long at all before warping.
I warped them after about 45K, but that was probably more my driving than anything else. The Volvo ones do not last long at all before warping.
'98 S70 T5
2016 Chevy Cruze Premier
A learning experience is one of those things that says, "You know that thing you just did? Don't do that."
mercuic: Long live the tractor motor!
2016 Chevy Cruze Premier
A learning experience is one of those things that says, "You know that thing you just did? Don't do that."
mercuic: Long live the tractor motor!
- BEJinFbk
- Posts: 4067
- Joined: 5 January 2008
- Year and Model: '98 V70 R
- Location: Fairbanks, Alaska
- Has thanked: 93 times
- Been thanked: 146 times
This is just my opinion, but buying cheap brakes makes about as much sense as buying a cheap helmet.
Or, as the ad in Dirt Bike magazine used to read: "Got a 10 dollar head? Buy a 10 dollar helmet".
Of course, that's just me...
Or, as the ad in Dirt Bike magazine used to read: "Got a 10 dollar head? Buy a 10 dollar helmet".
Of course, that's just me...
'98 V70 R - Well Equipped for Life Up North... 
-
- Similar Topics
- Replies
- Views
- Last post






