Hello Volvo forum,

I need to have my brakes (All) replaced on my 94' 850 Sedan. I have gotten a few estimates and wanted to know what I should expect to pay (I know... many variables). I am including new front calipers in my budget, but wanted to know if anyone has had it done recently and what they paid? Any response would be greatly appreciated. The lowest quote I received was for $300 rear and $410 front (with new front calipers). I just want to have some idea of what to expect price range.

Thank you for your time...

 

They are pretty easy to do yourself.

Considering I paid 70 for rear rotors.
20 for rear pads.
100-120 for rear calipers.
The price of 300 dollars seems pretty fair, but who knows if the parts are very good. Find out if they will let you bring your own parts.

 

Hi,

Whenever you have your car serviced, insist that they use OEM parts (with the exception of air conditioner evaporatour).

Search for price at the following vendor, which many of us here use:

http://www.fcpgroton.com/volvo850brakes.htm

If I were you, I would buy parts from FCP Groton and find a shop that is willing to accept parts from customers. Also, have it done either at a dealer or an independent shop that specialises in Swedish/European vehicles to avoid screw ups. Should you choose the dealer (I doubt if they accept parts from customers but give them a call), be sure not to get taken.

I would also replace the brake fluid, which should be replaced at every 2 to 3 years.

Good luck,


JPN

 

HI, FP Groton has a special package on ebay: http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/NEW-V...spagenameZWDVW
Front Caliper at Groton are about $50 each so you would have about $350 worth of parts.
May be this can help.
AJ

 

YOU GUYS ARE WONDERFUL HUMAN BEINGS! THANKS FOR ALL YOUR EXCELLENT HELP!!

 

^So what did you end up doing? A shop or yourself or what?

 

Hey Red Turbo 850...I found a reasonable KNOWLEDGABLE mechanic and had him do it, he knew so much about the 850 and his price was HALF what the Volvo Dealership wanted and he did use OEM parts. I don't have the right equipment to do a brake job myself and I wouldn't trust myself without at least doing it a few times, maybe in the future I can buy a junker and learn on it. THANKS FOR ALL YOUR HELP!

 

Changing brakes on an 850 is something any mechanic can do. Half the price of a Volvo stealership could still be expensive, depending on where you live. Here Volvo charges 5-10 times the price of a normal shop.

 

Glad you now have a new set of brakes.

Be sure to drive easy for the first 100 miles or so. A good technician also replaces brake fluid, did your technician do this service? If not, it is worth the extra $ to have the brake fluid replaced (850 uses DOT-4). Generally, you wouldn't notice much difference in brake performance, but brake fluid is hygroscopic, meaning they like to absorb moisture. If this takes place (yes it does), the boiling point of the brake fluid drops, and the next thing you know, the brake pedal feels firm but the car does not slow down. This may not go noticed until you drive down a steep downgrade in a hot climate.

Also, an old fluid can do some harm inside the fluid passages, so it is a good practice to replace the fluid at every 2 years/30,000 miles. In Japan, brake fluid replacement (every 2 years) is required by law.

Come back any time for additional questions.


JPN