Which brake pads for S70?

My 1998 S70 have 80K miles, and I've been told that my front rotors need
replacing. So, I'll be doing that soon, and I figure it's time for the
brake pads too. I've gotten the standard Volvo pads up to this point, but
I'm wondering if it's time to switch.

I'll be buying from FCP Groton, and their choices are Mintex ($33), Rofren
($34), Volvo ($45), PBR Deluxe ($28), PBR Metal master($35), PBR Ultimate
($53) and Textar ($45). I used to get PBR Deluxe for my 240DL, but I think
I read that Volvo pads are softer which prolongs the life of the rotors
(at the expense of the pads).

Any suggestions would be appreciated.

Mike

 

For me the choice would be purchase the rotors on the outside just make
sure that the rotors are a brand name "Bembro" or equal & purchase the
brake pads from the dealer
Glenn
ASE Certified Volvo Automotive Tech

--
"*-344-*Never Forgotten"
Is for the New York City Firemen who lost their lives on September 11,2001.
The official count is 343, but there was also a volunteer who lost his life
aiding in the initial rescue efforts. And I will never forget them as
long as I live,
nor should any American.
"Mow Green"

 

Did they change the compsition on the newer cars for the pads to be softer?

We got over 100K Kms on our pads for our 960 and there was still meat on
them, and we have 160K Kms on the original rotors, still going strong - will
need to be done due to thinness pretty soon tho (year or so).

 

.... and they are much quieter. There are other brake pads that last
longer but they are usually problematic with squealing. It is always
safer to stay with the Volvo pad, they seem to be the best compromise
with longevity and quietness. When I used other pads, you could hear me
stopping a mile a way and yes I used the gel on the back. I gave up and
went back to Volvo pads.

 

I have Mintex pads (not sure which ones- but I am guessing a medium
compound) on our 97 S70 at the moment. Braking performance is excellant,
lots of feel on the pedal and plenty of bite without too much fade unless
really provoked. (i.e. smoking hot!)

They've only done 16k at the moment but have plenty of life left. Dont seem
to be chewing the discs (rotors) up either.

Tim..

 

I have seen the suggestion a number of times but wondering why that should
be? Other cars don't generally seem to have trouble with most pads cheap or
otherwise. I have one wheel which squeals intermittently above 70kph and has
more than usual resistance when jacked up, don't know what sort of pads they
are. About to try bleeding the caliper & look for damage, still find it hard
to believe it might be just the type of pad which makes it bind even if it's
the cause of the squeal.

 

I told the FCP Groton people I was buying brembro rotors, and I asked what
brake pads would work well. The guy was quick to suggest Mintex.

Mike

 

Ah in Australia we usually have choices of Bendix, Silverline (Chinese) &
who knows what else including genuine. People are generally quick to
recommend Bendix if not genuine for any particular car, but I still can't
see why it would matter more with Volvo than other cars.

 

textar are the official makers for audi vw etc so you cant go wrong

 

Except this is for a Volvo.... and VW pads wear out prematurely on the rears
of their cars (I know, I have a Golf... the Volvo OEM stuff is better then
VW stuff, despite VW parts generally costing more).

 

I like to keep these at factory spec original pads. They will work
predictably.

Read this link and consider just how dangerous it is.

http://www.jimrothe.com/volvo/pbr_brake_pads.html

 

Again, what is it about Volvos that brake pads are so critical and why does
everyone make a big issue about discs? I have used all sorts, including PBR
on all sorts of cars & never noticed any problem except some noise with most
recent Ford (which used to belong to a mining co & was totally worn out from
the wheels up). Also never skimmed discs as they never ran down to metal for
long enough to do real damage. Now there is something with the brakes on
this my first Volvo which I need to look at soon, must be a weak spot with
volvos?

 

Definitely Volvo pads on the S70-I have tried both Minex and PBR Metalmaster
and ended up changing out. S70 and 850's are temperamental. I have a 240
as well and I can get away with Repco's for longer life and less dust.
dg

 

Maybe volvo disks are too thin (discounting the cooling blades), mine"sing"
with very slight pressure & movement, like wine glasses in the washing up.
Maybe that's why so many seem to machine or replace them and the resonance
causes trouble with pads.

 

Which brake pads for S70? Reply.

Hello,

I just read a somewhat older post and felt the need to comment.

I have been using PBR Metal Masters on my S70 for nearly 10yrs. I did not care for the OEM rotors any more than I cared for the OEM pads. So out with the OEM pads and rotors, and in with the Metal Masters and new Zimmerman rotors. The two seemed to be made for each other. The stopping power was every bit equal to OEM, and a pleasant benefit was less than half the dusty mess.

At no time have I ever suffered from any lack of braking ability. In pouring down rain, dry, snow, you name it. These brake components work together flawlessly. I previously lived in Wilmington, NC. Sometimes there on the coast it rained so hard so fast, you could be driving through 6" of water before you knew it. Even then the brakes worked flawlessly.

I fully understand there can be combinations of components that fail to work ideally or even marginally acceptable together. From other post I have read, it sounds like the Metal Master on the OEM rotors may be this unacceptable combination. But I felt compelled to reply with the results my combination. The PBR's and Zimmerman's preform like they were made for each other.

Best Regards & keep tinkering,

Richard