need new front pads but was wondering if it's time to replace the rotors as well?

(they've never been replaced).

if so, is the genuine volvo part the way to go? (79.95) or the "breemo" just as good (49.95)

thanks kindly for any help.

 

I actually just replaced the brake pads and rotors on the wife's 98' S70 couple of weeks ago. Picked up all the parts from Pep Boys - rotors were around $37 each and pads were $30. If memory serves me right.

Feel the rotor, if you can feel a lip on the outer edge of it - they should be replaced. The previous owner of ours, never had the brakes changed and worn the pads down to the bare metal causing them to dig into the rotors. Thus I changed them out. Was an easy job to do, took around 1 hour total to install new pads / rotors.

 

I changed my rotors at 90K (it was overdue).
I use Brembo smooth rotors, very happy with it.

 

Rotors should have the min thickness stamped on the side of the "hat" part of the rotor. You may have to wire-wheel it to see it.

Measure your rotor's thickness (will need a micrometer or some other way to measure around the lip) and if it's less than the stamped min then you're supposed to replace them.

As a general rule of thumb you'll get two sets of pads out of one set of front rotors; probably more on the rear.

I got mine at IPD about a year ago or so ago (not sure of manuf.) but i need to replace them again because they're now warped.