Rec's for cash-strapped student?

[OldMD2B]

My 2007 XC90 (3.2, AWD, ~144K miles, owned it for only ~1 year) needs new brakes all around, and I'm hoping that this wise community can give me some advice. Being a graduate student, I need to keep the budget a priority, but I don't want to take chances with my or my family's safety for something as important as the brakes! I plan to do the job myself, and plan to go with ceramic pads.

The bigger cost issue is with the rotors. I've read that many people recommend going with OEM rotors and aftermarket ceramic pads, citing the low dust and great stopping power of the ceramics, and the OEM rotors' resistance to warping. But 4 OEM rotors would put me way over my ~$300-$350 target budget. Akebono pads seem to get good reviews.

I would love to go with a "kit" that has all the parts, rather than piecing things together. IDP and FCP both get good recommendations. Any thoughts on this package from FCP?: https://www.fcpeuro.com/products/volvo- ... ono-517741. I've not yet found many reviews on the Meyle rotors. I like the overall price, but I'm concerned that the adage "you get what you pay for" will quickly come back to bite me in the a$$.

I also plan to replace the front driveshaft CV, which I've read breaks down quickly due to proximity to exhaust heat, and which I believe to be causing a driveline vibration problem. Once again, I see HUGE price variation from ~$40-$50 range (https://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_noss ... ont%2C+Awd) to ~$325 (https://www.fcpeuro.com/Volvo-parts/Dri ... -CV-Joint/).

I've taken my XC to several dealers and Indies, and none are sure that the rumble/vibration is from that front CV. I thought I'd "experiment" with replacing the CV, so the cheaper option seems best.

I live in rural NE Ohio, where 1) winters wreak havoc with brake longevity, 2) Volvo dealers are inconveniently far away (and VERY expensive), and 3) I have not yet found a local Indie with adequate Volvo knowledge/experience.

I'm really hoping that I can get some good recommendations, particularly for the brakes. Thank in Advance!!!

[Rattnalle]

Volvo is from Gothenburg where winters are a wet, salty mess. Close to the ocean and rarely below freezing for long, cool enough to cover the roads with salt. They're built for the treatment. The main brake killer is not using them enough.

As for pads and discs. I've tried both from the very cheapest own-brand parts you can find to brand name brakes and I've been unable to tell much of a difference on my P2s. The cheap discs wore slightly faster and the pads were dustier. Worked fine though even for braking from 200+ kph. Making sure it's all moving smoothly and in good shape without grooves and the like is much more important to me. Personally I'd stick with regular pads as well and just get a good wheel cleaner instead.

Oh and when I saw the thread title I first thought it was about purchasing an X90. My first though was not to and stick with a FWD V70 instead :p

[oragex]

Budget? Hit the junkyards, plenty of brake parts in amazing shape, you won't believe the findings. Many people just replace the brakes when they buy a used car, only to find it had an engine/transmission problem and ends at the junkyard. I think almost new discs and pads are the easiest item to find at the junkyard.

Same for the other parts. Just look for genuine items, many have a sticker or the date stamped into the plastic/metal in a small circle, look for parts recently replaced.

[Rattnalle]

Used discs can't have been sitting there for long before rust makes them useless though unless it's a dry time of year. I'd buy €15-20 new discs instead if they don't look brand new. It's a wear part.

[oragex]

My experience is actually at the scrapyard you can see which one is quality and which one is not. Quality ones just don't rust - very light surface spots that wash away at the first braking. Cheap ones are so rusted they get red. I won't recommend new cheap discs because the metal can be so soft it will warp when you tighten the wheel lugs especially with these allow wheels that wear where the lug is seated making torque measuring more difficult.

[cn90]

- If the rotors still have thickness above spec, then resurface the rotors a bit so they are smooth.
- It costs about $12 for resurfacing at OReilly auto parts.

- Pads, stick to Textar or Pagid.

- At this age, check the front hoses too. They should be replaced if cracked.
Spray lubricant at the junctions one week beforehand.

I wrote a detail DIY for brake system for my 1998 V70, you can search the P80 forum for detail.

[adki110]

Akebono pads work just fine, I used aftermarket rotors with good results. Before getting a new driveshaft, rule out the hub bearing.

[abscate]

Melles and Bosch Mastercraft will run you $40-50 and will be fine.

It isnt the brakes that compromise safety, its the driver.

Low dust is for the look-at-me climates of SoCal - not our gritty towns.

Akron or Case Western - stay in school - smart guy/gal