Brake swap from XC90 to V70

jrschwit · Post by **jrschwit** » 01 Dec 2025, 09:57

I recall reading here and elsewhere that larger brake rotors from an XC90 installed on a V70 will be a significant improvement. If I understand correctly, what I would need from the XC90 are: Front; caliper, bracket, rotor, and pads. Rear; caliper, rotor, pads and backplate. Also maybe new hoses for both. Is my understanding correct? Are other Volvo models suitable brake donors? Central SC is not a Volvo mecca but the local yard does seem to get a decent selection and they turn them over in about 60-90 days.

The local Pic-n-Pull has an 06 and 07 XC90. Before I drive to check what condition they are in, I'd like to confirm suitability or other pertinent info. Receiving car/s will be one of the family's two '04 V70s with 17" wheels.

Appreciate any relevant pointers.
Jim

Post by **Blacklab467** » 01 Dec 2025, 14:55

I can't imagine that this would work but I'll be interested in following this post and hopefully someone who knows for sure chimes in. The XC 90 brakes are so much larger and robust from the rotors to the callipers and brackets, Also the wheel bearing hubs are probably way different in offset. I would be curious if the ABS system is compatible or would get confused? I wonder also why you might want to do this, it seems to me the V 70 brakes are more than adequate for the vehicle they were engineered for.

Post by **matthew1** » 01 Dec 2025, 16:13

https://www.matthewsvolvosite.com/302mm ... de-on-850/
https://www.matthewsvolvosite.com/big-b ... ll-wheels/

Those two will help. The target car in those cases are P80s but there is much commonality with what you're doing. Your first step is to make sure the calipers clear the wheels. What wheels are on the V70s?

Post by **scot850** » 02 Dec 2025, 08:44

What rotor diameters were fitted to your current cars? There are larger rotors to the usually standard 280mm rotors. I can't recall if there was even an upgrade the 305 or was it 320mm rotors. That just requires a flexi-hose and caliper bracket swap. Same caliper is used.

Neil.

jrschwit · Post by **jrschwit** » 02 Dec 2025, 11:59

Neil,
All my P2s have 285 mm front rotors, not sure about the rear. The XC90s are said to have 316 mm fronts and 308 mm rear. A number of posts claim significantly better braking with nothing other than rotor, caliper, and bracket swap. They are said to fit virtually all 16" wheels and all 17s. Mine are 17s.

IIRC, the 316/308s were fitted to many European delivered cars and all police models with no ABS or other issues.

Local yard has a great sale going on now so I want to take advantage if it's as simple as posted. And a local shop does a very good job of resurfacing rotors if they are within limits, at $5 each.
Jim

Post by **scot850** » 02 Dec 2025, 12:28

Fair enough. I will be interested to hear how you get on.

Neil.

Post by **abscate** » 03 Dec 2025, 03:03

Dig into the claims of better braking for a real stop test and I’ll bet you find no data.

If you think you have poor braking stage zero is real Volvo rotors and pads, fresh brake fluid, and you are set.

If you buy them ftom FCP, four -five years ftom now you get free* new ones

* Conditions apply