Needing brakes on my 2005 S40 T5 for the first time at 54K miles. I drive more interstate back and forth to work than anything else.

My question is..How well does the stock rotors hold up to a turning? I only noticed a extremely small amount of brake pedal and steering wobble. I have heard conflicting info and figured I'd check with this site to see what really gives... Also, I liked the way the original brakes felt but if there is another manufacturer that holds up as good or better with the same performance, please post as well.

Thanks for the help!!

 

so are you looking for OE brakes/rotors or aftermarket?

Rich

 

Being that I don't do alot of high performance driving with this car, I figured high performance aftermarket was an overkill. There are several brands out that, to be truthfully honest, I know nothing about. Just need a little direction. I thought my stock rotors have held up but didn't know if they could stand a turning as I have seen other say that are crap and couldn't take it.. So the net is..I just don't know about either.

I really don't want to take it back to the dealer either cause I know it will be an arm and a leg with no net value add. Why go to the dealer and pay a premium for stock parts when another brand is just as good if not better...

 

Have them measured and don't turn below spec's otherwise unless you go to a vented or drilled unit you won't get any different performance from a rotor. Pads are a different story and would agree you can pick these up after market and be in a better position. Don't get an aggressive material unless you want to replace rotors more often and you really need the performance.

 

On some Volvos rotor resurfacing is not recommended. On some European cars, the rotors are designed to wear IAW the pads. Check the rotor thickness with a caliper, if you have one, and if it hasn't worn down to the minimum allowable spec, you could defer rotor replacement but I would check with Moderator Tech first.

As for the pads, go with OEM. OEM is the same parts as the ones sold at the dealer, except OEM's don't come with Volvo logo and are less expensive. Other aftermarket pads are known to cause squeak, damage to the rotor, etc... (especially cheapos).

One parts source:
http://www.fcpgroton.com/volvo.htm#s40

If it were my car, I would go with genuine Volvo (still cheaper than what the dealer wants), or may try out Akebono Ceramic once.

Good luck,


JPN