S60 brake discs solid vs. vented. Please help me choose.

[mjvolvo]

I had 4year service done in my s60 and I was told I need to replace rear discs+pads. Ok - they quoted me £390 so I refused straight away as it seemed slightly too much.
I went on eurocarparts website, and using their code, and choosing BREMBO my price for pads and disks is £94. If I buy generic parts also on their website price is £63. I phoned local mechanic and asked him - "any time you want, I will bring parts - how much for a service if I pay by cash (I also mentioned electric handbrake)" - I got a straight answer £50...

Question no1 - am I missing something?? £150 (with Brembo) vs £390??

Question no2. - When I type in my reg no. on eurocarparts, I have the option to buy rear solid disks or vented. The price difference is not too big so can I pick whatever I want? Nearly all dimensions are identical except for thickness. What are the disadvantages of having vented ones?

I would appreciate if someone could answer question2... Thanks!

[jasmith44]

I would say it's advantages.I believe vented ones keep cooler so helping to stop warping.

[Zebster]

My ECP order for discs and pads is coming today... only £173 for the lot (Pagid) using 'SALE55'!

I've got solid rears. Although they are the same 302mm diameter, I really don't believe that you can simply fit the vented alternative... it's 22mm thick rather than 11mm and so would require the other brake system components (caliper and bracket?) to be larger.

Similarly there are 3 options for the front discs (300mm, 316mm and 336mm). Mine has the 300mm but I couldn't fit the larger ones without a lot of work.

There's no longer anything special about Brembo.

[mjvolvo]

Originally Posted by Zebster

My ECP order for discs and pads is coming today... only £173 for the lot (Pagid) using 'SALE55'!

I've got solid rears. Although they are the same 302mm diameter, I really don't believe that you can simply fit the vented alternative... it's 22mm thick rather than 11mm and so would require the other brake system components (caliper and bracket?) to be larger.

Similarly there are 3 options for the front discs (300mm, 316mm and 336mm). Mine has the 300mm but I couldn't fit the larger ones without a lot of work.

There's no longer anything special about Brembo.

Thanks Zebster - very helpful answer. As I don't use my automatic diesel on a track - I will go for solid option to avoid any complications with fitting. Mine is 302mm
May I ask why you chose PAGID? I know nothing about parts, but playing need for speed as a kid - brembo was top upgrade option, so this is my reason...
Are you fitting these yourself?

[Zebster]

Originally Posted by mjvolvo

Thanks Zebster - very helpful answer. As I don't use my automatic diesel on a track - I will go for solid option to avoid any complications with fitting. Mine is 302mm
May I ask why you chose PAGID? I know nothing about parts, but playing need for speed as a kid - brembo was top upgrade option, so this is my reason...
Are you fitting these yourself?

I chose Pagid because I've been using them for many years and been quite happy... We also have an MR2 roadster that's got Pagids all round, and so did my previous car, a 7th gen Honda Accord estate. The Honda is a good example, as I did initially go for the cheaper Eicher rear discs/drums to save money on an old car (the Accord has very complex rear brakes featuring both a disc and a drum in a single unit!) but the Eicher casting did not have the clearance holes in the correct position for adjusting the drum handbrake, so I had to return them and 'upgrade' to Pagid. If I have a complaint about Pagid it's that the pads do wear quickly, in my opinion. But I'm happy to change the pads fairly regularly as it's a good chance to check out and regrease the moving parts.

Yes, I'll be fitting them myself. Still unsure on the rears whether I'll unbolt the EPB (I have the necessary T30 bit) or use a 9v battery to operate the motor? I also have the necessary T40 bit to wind back the pistons, as well as a conventional wind-back tool (not sure if both are needed, but I'm confident of working it out!).

[GMcL]

Has anyone ever had over heating issues with the rear brakes on their S60 (other than when one of the rear calipers starts binding) ?

I think it was Clan said on here the cars have a rear brake bias under light braking which moves to the front with heavier braking. I'm not last of the late brakers in my S60, in 8 years and 75000 miles it's still on the original front discs with the second set of pads. the rears had new discs at around 49,000 miles and goes through a rear set of pads roughly every second service.

Remember also these cars have torque vector braking which may cause some additional wear especially if you like to go around corners on the door handles.

I wouldn't bother with vented rear discs.

[Dash300]

Pagid have been great for me. On 90k and have the original front discs but 2nd set of pads. On second set of rear discs and pads. |Rear braking bias would appear to be the reason and perhaps the effect of the rear auto braking and electronic brake release when driving off.