Brake job

Post by **mrreilly** » 12 Feb 2009, 19:32

1. I had my brakes looked at today, and my rear brake are in bad shape. Calipers, pads and rotors. It was suggested by the mechanic I get loaded calipers. Where can I buy loaded calipers? I haven't found anything..
On top of that, are there any recommendations on what kinds of rotors and pads I get? I'm doing front and back brakes. Also, are stainless steel brakes lines worth the money?

2. My driver side sway bar end link is busted at the lower ball joint. Is this going to hurt anything if I don't replace it right away? And again, are there and recommendations as to which replacement ones I should get? I'm guessing I should just do both at the same time..

Thanks for any help!

Post by **MadeInJapan** » 12 Feb 2009, 19:42

I've never seen "loaded" calipers for Volvo's. I think you're in for buying all parts separately. The stainless lines are good but if yours are working, I wouldn't waste my money. In regards to endlinks, yes, replace in pairs. Nothing is hurt if you don't do it immediately but it will be annoying (creaks and noise from the front suspension). I highly recommend the heavy duty ones sold by IPD.

Post by **Ozark Lee** » 12 Feb 2009, 19:43

In most cases loaded calipers make sense. Not on a Volvo unless you really enjoy brake squeal.

The OEM pads will be dirty but quiet. I have even done OK with Mintex pads. Anything less and they will squeal like a banshee after the first 1000 miles or so. Most of the loaded calipers come with no-name pads that are guaranteed to make a lot of noise.

As far as the sway bar link goes - don't do any track days at Belle Island but change it soon. Handling will be erratic at best.

..Lee

Post by **mrreilly** » 13 Feb 2009, 18:27

Thanks for the help guys. I think I'm going to take care of everything next weekend. As far as the heavy duty end links from ipd, what's better about them than the stock ones? Just curious!
Thanks again! Mike

Post by **JRL** » 13 Feb 2009, 18:41

As the name says, they're heavy duty THEY ARE THICKER

Mike-Halewai · Post by **Mike-Halewai** » 13 Feb 2009, 19:18

JRL wrote:As the name says, they're heavy duty THEY ARE THICKER

That's right.. just like the name... "THEY ARE THICKER"... OH, no wait a minute, that's not actually their name at all.

Though JRL is correct that they are thicker; in reality JRL, often Heavy-Duty doesn't mean thicker. Like "Heavy Duty" Degreaser - it's not actually thicker is it?

I think he had a valid question, and it's one that ipd could do a better job of describing on their website.

Anyway, Made in Japan has these, if you PM he'll likely give you a "helpful" reply.

Post by **MadeInJapan** » 13 Feb 2009, 20:06

These are thicker and therefore stiffer...don't flex as much.
Also, the joint in them is different from OEM...better wear- they'll last much longer. IPD has a 5 year warranty on this part now. I've had mine for over 2 years and haven't had any issue with them at all.

Post by **mrreilly** » 14 Feb 2009, 13:23

Sounds good to me! I'll go ahead and buy the ipd links.

Now onto brake pads.. What brands should I look for/stay away from?

Post by **MadeInJapan** » 14 Feb 2009, 16:51

I've always stayed with OEM...more dust, yes, but never had squeal if installed correctly. That said, these are organic pads. If you want ceramic pads, people are swearing that Akebono Euro pads work well on our cars. www.fcpgroton.com sells them.

Post by **wheelsup** » 14 Feb 2009, 17:32

I used Akebonos and if I ever need to buy more pads I'm buying them hands down. Almost zero dust and boy do they stop you nice and smooth with no squealing. If you don't use Akebonos use OEM like MIJ said.