2007 XC90 Replace brake rotors everytime you replace pads?

darkmatter661 · Post by **darkmatter661** » 08 Mar 2014, 12:42

We had the pads replaced on our 2007 XC90 about 3 months or so ago and ever since they've made a squeeky noise, same as you'd expect when you need to change your pads. So we took it back to the garage that did the work and asked about that. We explained that it happened mostly when it was cold, and it also made a lower tone noise when backing up. Garage said they replaced with original OEM Volvo pads, that they'd still be under warranty, but that the y didn't understand why this was happening, everything looked ok. They had resurcfaced the rotors too. There was also excessive brake dust on the wheels.

So the garage called me back after calling the dealer, and according to them, on XC90's you have to replace the rotors EVERYTIME you replace the pads. The tech at the garage said that it's the first time he's heard of this, but that basically I we'd need to replace the rotors, even though they show plenty of thickness.

Does this sound right to anyone? Is this in the tech manual for the XC90, having to replace rotors everytime you replace the pads??

Thanks!

Post by **tailor** » 08 Mar 2014, 17:00

From the experience that I have had with the 850 and xc90, I have never replaced both rotors and pads each time there was a need for a pad replacement. What I can tell you is the Volvos have never taken too kindly to having the rotors turned. There are many on the forums who will attest to that. I tried it once and it was a disaster. That said I am sure there many who have done it and had success as well. There are specifics for when the rotors should be replaced as far as the thickness is concerned and clearly the Techs adhere to that as it is am major safety issue.

Excessive brake dust may just normal wear. A softer pad will give a good deal of dust, sort of a sacrifice on the pad rather than the rotor.

Depending on the condition of the rotors, you may have needed to replace them anyway. Certainly the salt that is spread in the winter months can play a big part in the rapid deterioration of the rotors. Something which may not have any effect on your car if you reside in the warmer climates.

As far as the low tone when reversing, did they look at the e-brake( does the brake hold the vehicle on an incline?), the brake lining on the e-brake can come off if the item is old and be the culprit that you are hearing, but I may be sending you on a wild goose chase here, but a few ideas anyway.

Post by **QuirkySwede** » 09 Mar 2014, 08:59

You do NOT have to replace the rotors every time you change the pads. I never have them turned and only replace rotors if they meet, fall below the minimum thickness specification, or are severely gouged. Turning removes wear material which shortens the disc's life. Turning discs makes as much sense as filing down new pads before install.

Dealers will always say to replace pads and discs together because (in addition to being more profit) so the new flat pad makes "as new" full contact as you drive off the lot without any break-in. A disc with some grooving will actually have more surface area (better braking), but does take a tank of gas to fully seat in. Dealers don't want to risk you suing them for "not as new" brakes if you get in an accident during that seating-in period.

Last, it's also possible it's not the discs making noise, but the drums inside the disc (parking brake) that is. Since they removed the rotors to turn them, they disturbed the parking brake system and should have checked and adjusted that too.

https://www.matthewsvolvosite.com/forums/viewtopic.php?f=1&t=61043

http://myxc90.blogspot.com/2012/06/volvo-xc90-parking-brake-overhaul-my-07.html

As far as "squeeky noise, same as you'd expect when you need to change your pads," that would be a squealer, a piece of thin metal off the pad that makes contact with the disc when the pad is worn down enough. I've not seen that used on Volvo pads. This is helpful for pads that are hard to visually inspect. If you hear the noise then it goes away, that doesn't mean they're fine again, only that you've worn or broken off that squealer. These pics are not from Volvos, but show what the squealers can look like. Other things like brake dust can cause squealing. Dust often collects in drums which another reason the parking brake system should have been inspected, checked, and cleaned while off.

walleye vision · Post by **walleye vision** » 10 Mar 2014, 10:56

Do you know off hand what the minimum rotor thickness should be?

Post by **QuirkySwede** » 10 Mar 2014, 23:20

Offhand, no.

Post by **tailor** » 14 Mar 2014, 20:35

: rotors.png (113.9 KiB) Viewed 3371 times

Here you go!

walleye vision · Post by **walleye vision** » 15 Mar 2014, 06:46

Awesome, thanks!