Although I do not "brake hard", my wheels accumulate an unsightly amount of black dust from the original brake pads that Volvo uses. It is a weekly chore to keep the wheels looking clean and shiny!

I'm considering changing to "dustless brake pads" and would like to hear if others have done this and what their experience has been. There's a short summary article on dustless brake pads here: Low Dust Brake Pads ? Recommendations on Dustless Brake Pads

Can you please report on your experience with specific brands?
Thanks!

 

Go ceramic.

 

I installed Akebono ceramic pads front and back.

Getting the correct size took some research. Evidently the rotors in the Front of this vehicle may either be 316mm or 300mm. The dealership gave me the part number for the front brakes (31341382) on my car based on my VIN. Then using Genuine Volvo Parts Online | Volvo Parts Webstore I was able to determine that my car had 300mm rotors.

I purchased the Akebono pads from True Blue Parts through Amazon.com and paid no shipping, no tax. EUR1306 was 51.25 (Front for 300mm rotors) and Eur1307 was $45.84 (Rear). Very pleased with True Blue Parts delivery.

BTW, the rear pads and rotor are smaller than the front pads and rotor. There's surely a great engineering reason for this, but it seems odd to me.

The dealer installed them for me; labor charge was for 90 minutes work covering both front and rear.

After installation I thoroughly cleaned the wheels to see the results. After 10,000 miles there was substantial amounts of black brake dust deep in the wheel and on the back side of the spokes. I used Sonax which I purchased from AutoGeek.com. It did a terrific job of cleaning!

Now, several weeks into the new Akebono pads and there is a substantial reduction in brake dust. (Only evident after I cleaned the wheels thoroughly because the old black dust from the OEM pads continued to shed from the back side of the wheel.) The performance of the pads is also excellent. I'm very pleased with them.

I can highly recommend the change to ceramic pads, and specifically the Akebono ceramic pads.

 

This is true of virtually all cars. The weight transfers forward during braking, so the front brakes do the bulk of the actual braking.