Brakes: Pads/Discs/Calipers: Suggestions?

[s40richard]

S40 R-Design 2011 2.0 Petrol:

I figure the brakes need a complete re-do. I've had a slipping pedal for a while now, when holding on foot brake and the overall efficiency could be be better. Figure its time.

I'd welcome any suggestions:

I don't need a radical upgrade, just decent quality, not cheap and cheerful. The car is a keeper.

I wouldn't mind also replacing the backing plates too, whilst everything is apart. The ones on the car are knackered. Make it look a bit prettier. If anyone knows where to source them, that'll be better than Volvo OEM. Those are very expensive.

Thanks in advance.

Richard

[iainmd]

I've been through the mill on this a few times. Backing plates you'll only get from Volvo but they were less expensive than I thought they might be. Fronts are really easy to replace but IIRC the rears involve the hubs having to come off and guaranteed they'll be more rusty than Rusty Lee so you may have to factor in new rear hubs while you're at it.

Pads and discs-wise I've been through many and in total honesty the Volvo OEM pads and discs (which I think are made by ATE) are the best. Oddly, this time I opted for ATE (non OEM Volvo) and the pads are well dusty by comparison to OEM so that's cast doubt on my thoughts there.

Over 26 combined years of S40 and V50 ownership I've used EBC, Pagid, Mintex, Bosch, Ferrodo, ATE and Volvo OEM. Frankly for road use there's nothing to beat genuine Volvo in my opinion. The disc hubs don't corrode and the pads are less dusty than anything else I've found.

Steer well clear of race pads. I once dabbled with EBC Red-stuff and because they never properly got up to temperature they glazed the discs in no time and were downright dangerous for road use.

You can get Volvo OEM stuff at a decent price via FRF Volvo mail order with the C3 forum members discount code as per the pinned post on the forum.

Hope that helps.

Iain

[PNM]

Autodoc have backing plates

[SnineT]

ECP and just select Pagid pads & discs if you want oem levels of quality,

Can't help with the backing shields though I'd imagine they're Volvo only or they might be a standard part used by many brands as a fit & forget part so worth finding out if they are a Volvo part or an industry standard universal part.

[s40richard]

Thanks for info.

I know Brembo do a kit for the S40.. Not performance, just an OEM replacement I believe.. They aren't badly priced either, compared to Volvo OEM.

Brother in law fitted some on his humble Fiesta, and he said they were worthy of the name.. Good quality and easy to fit.

Any thoughts.

R

[s40richard]

Quick follow up:

I looked up OEM Volvo on partsforvolvo.com just for reference.

For full set Volvo discs/pads it came to £432, not inc shipping.

From GSF parts, who I found on ebay but seems they are a motor factor, with a local place near me.

Brembo discs/pads: £162

Thats a serious difference. Any further thoughts.

r

[XC90Mk1]

Originally Posted by s40richard

Quick follow up:

I looked up OEM Volvo on partsforvolvo.com just for reference.

For full set Volvo discs/pads it came to £432, not inc shipping.

From GSF parts, who I found on ebay but seems they are a motor factor, with a local place near me.

Brembo discs/pads: £162

Thats a serious difference. Any further thoughts.

r

I would phone Eastbourne Volvo dealership and speak to Chris or Ashley on the parts department.

I would shocked if they are more than half the price you quoted for discs and pads unless there are specific reasons to being so costly.

My XC90 Discs, Pads, and 4 qty stretch bolts delivered were way lass than half the price you quoted from a genuine Volvo dealership.

Ask for a discount given the cars age.

[domhart10]

I have been through a lot of the aftermarket parts and nothing really beats OEM parts. If its a keeper, I would stick with OEM parts.

The price of the brembo's you mentioned I can see how they might look appealing but if that then results in poor braking at spead, or they warp, or brake juddering then you will only want to replace them again after.

Buy cheap, buy twice.

[SnineT]

Stick with the Pagid stuff, iirc because I thought the dealer might release my car with on their way brakes I costed the whole lot up and iirc it was about £350 for pads and discs for all corners, the Brembo online looks like a bit of a con tbh, GSF are generally dearer than ECP and also the discs are £60 each anyway so either you've priced up for only two thinking it's for a pair or the eBayer isn't really GSF.

[s40richard]

Good advice..

I've sourced OEM for a lot better price. I'm going to go with them..

Thanks all..