Which brake pads for S70?

Discussion in 'Volvo S70' started by Michael Chiu, Jan 28, 2005.

  1. Michael Chiu

    Michael Chiu Guest

    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
     
    Michael Chiu, Jan 28, 2005
    #1
  2. Michael Chiu

    Glenn Klein Guest

    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"
     
    Glenn Klein, Jan 28, 2005
    #2
  3. Michael Chiu

    Rob Guenther Guest

    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).
     
    Rob Guenther, Jan 28, 2005
    #3
  4. .... 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.
     
    Stephen Henning, Jan 28, 2005
    #4
  5. Michael Chiu

    Guest Guest

    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..
     
    Guest, Jan 28, 2005
    #5
  6. Michael Chiu

    jg Guest

    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.
     
    jg, Jan 28, 2005
    #6
  7. Michael Chiu

    Michael Chiu Guest

    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
     
    Michael Chiu, Jan 29, 2005
    #7
  8. Michael Chiu

    jg Guest

    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.
     
    jg, Jan 29, 2005
    #8
  9. Michael Chiu

    Tony Penner Guest

    textar are the official makers for audi vw etc so you cant go wrong
     
    Tony Penner, Jan 29, 2005
    #9
  10. Michael Chiu

    Rob Guenther Guest

    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).
     
    Rob Guenther, Jan 29, 2005
    #10
  11. Michael Chiu

    jr Guest

    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
     
    jr, Feb 3, 2005
    #11
  12. Michael Chiu

    jg Guest

    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?
     
    jg, Feb 4, 2005
    #12
  13. Michael Chiu

    David Guest

    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
     
    David, Feb 22, 2005
    #13
  14. Michael Chiu

    jg Guest

    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.
     
    jg, Feb 22, 2005
    #14
  15. Michael Chiu

    rwisot

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    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
     
    rwisot, Sep 1, 2014
    #15
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