Brake recommendations

jyossarian · Post by **jyossarian** » 16 Oct 2008, 12:09

I have a '97 850 Base that is need of new rear rotors and calipers.

From previous threads, the consensus seems to be that any rotors will do. What type of calipers and pads should I get? I hate the dust from OEM pads but can live with it provided that the brakes don't squeak.

Thanks in advance.

Post by **matthew1** » 16 Oct 2008, 13:31

Some people are lucky or skilled with 3rd party pads and have no problems with noise. If you are in this group you will get higher performance, less dust, and cost savings.

If you just want pads that work, go OEM.

jyossarian · Post by **jyossarian** » 16 Oct 2008, 13:55

How about a type of caliper?

Post by **Ozark Lee** » 16 Oct 2008, 14:21

OEM for calipers. I needed one for the front and got a rebuilt OEM from NAPA for around $45.00, I think the rears cost more though.

...Lee

atikovi · Post by **atikovi** » 16 Oct 2008, 14:48

If you hate the brake dust, get ceramic pads.

turbotim2 · Post by **turbotim2** » 17 Oct 2008, 04:51

I have tried several different rear pads and they all squealed except for the OEM. However I have not tried the ceramic pads. FCP has the rear calipers loaded for a good price but the pads they used are not OEM and squealed like hell! I replaced them after 3 months. The calipers themselves though have worked just fine.

Post by **MadeInJapan** » 17 Oct 2008, 05:36

I agree with your assessment of the rear pads. I've just not taken a chance after my first bad experience and just buy OEM pads all around. You can usually find the best deals on these on eBay (someone buying the wrong pads, etc. and needing to let them go). The last set I bought I only paid $25 for my S70.
Regards,
MIJ

volvrow · Post by **volvrow** » 18 Oct 2008, 13:59

I had to replace my front pads, and I used the NAPA ceramic pads, they are working great! I spent a lot of time researching pads and these had the best reviews (PBR's don't work in wet weather and don't know why IPD recommends them). I feel that volvo OEM pads produce too much dust and are noisy. The NAPA ceramics are $70 and I have noticed the better braking power and reduced dust.
When I was doing the job, discovered that the piston on the passenger side caliper was not working properly, and got an OEM from napa, only $50. I guess I didn't notice this before, but now the car brakes much straighter at higher speeds (no wiggle).
In terms of rotors, I have a set of drilled rotors, and while they look good and dissipate the heat well, when lightly braking they squeal (I believe b/c pads are lightly contacting the holes)- once these rotors are done, will switch to a standard rotor or slotted rotors.
Good luck!

Post by **wheelsup** » 18 Oct 2008, 18:04

I think FCP had ceramic akebono's for $62 awhile back, I'm using those up front and OEM in back and the car does fine, in fact it seems to brake so smooth now in comparison to before. Very firm and absolutely no fading.

My wife's VW has *slightly* warped rotors up front (when braking I get the whoomp whoomp in the steering wheel) but the pads and rotors are practically brand new (even 3 years later) as they were put on just before we got the car. No idea what happened, can I just have them turned? Would that take the wobble out of them you think?

atikovi · Post by **atikovi** » 18 Oct 2008, 18:15

Rock Auto has rear Akebono ceramic pads for $42. Less if you have a coupon.