I'm still fairly new to the Volvo 240 world. I checked all my brake pads/rotors today for wear and tear and the pad thickness seems ok (about 10 mm in the front and 8 mm in the rear) but the callipers are really close to the rotors. I mean, I've never seen callipers come so close to rotors before. At first I thought I should replace my pads because I could only see 1-2 mm between the calliper seating and rotor. Closer inspection revealed the rest of the pad hiding beneath the calliper seating. (as per attached photos).

I assume this is the intentional product of good design, and that the callipers will automatically compensate hydraulically as the pads get thinner. Can someone confirm?

I also read the threads Minimum disc brake/rotor thickness and Changing brake pads and it looks like I have ATE calipers in the rear as per attached photo. The parts store didn't seem to think it made any difference. What's the difference between girling and ATE, when buying brake pads?

-- some photos posted in additional replies---

cheers

 

as long as they aren't making gnarly scraping or squealing noises, and the rotors aren't getting really really hot when you're just coasting, the pad-rotor clearance is fine.

afaik, the different calibers require different pads. I get my pads from fcpeuro or ipdusa usually, or order real volvo ones from tascaparts (the real volvo ones are a little dirtier than many others but work really well... my hydra wheels are easy enough to clean so I don't mind the rotor dust).

 

photo

 

those rotors look nearly new. so do the pads as far as I can tell (that first photo is kinda dark).

 

Don't worry, that's the way they are, it's sort of an optical illusion. You got enough pad.

 

You are OK. Unlike most of the newer caliper designs the older ATE?Girling calipers are fixed. They do not move . The pads are moved by the pistons so the clearance of the calipers to the rotor will not change. As to pad differences there is a great deal between ATE and Girling. There should be a sticker on the rear drivers side door post with the brake type on it. Get those numbers and call a Volvo dealer and they can tell you whether you have Girling or ATE calipers.

 

Thanks guys, great info.