Hi there, I will need to get my front and rear brakes for my XC90 serviced soon. The guy from whom I purchased the vehicle told me that he always used aftermarket rotors but Volvo pads. Just curious what your thoughts are. I have an independent garage work on my other car, and they used aftermarket everything. I think I will stick with the Volvo pads but just curious about the rotors. Or are even the Volvo pads necessary? I don't have an unlimited budget so want to do what is economical but not sacrifice safety. I also don't want to change them every year if I can help it (I drive only about 15,000 KM per year).

Also, would you recommend a brake fluid change / flush with this? Thanks.

 

Have you shopped IPD? They offer both oem and aftermarket for my S60 and the ceramic pads get good reviews for low dust, no noise, and no grabbing. When it comes time I definitely am going that route.

Brake fluid is clear when it is new and turns dark when it accumulates moisture and contaminants, so if it is dark change it.

 

Depends on what kind of aftermarket ones. If you're going to get the cheapest ones possible, I would advise against that. I have had several cars come in with bad braking because they got cheap when it came to brakes.

 

Exactly, cheap rotors will warp almost instantly. I'd stick to premium rotors only.

 

I have done brake jobs in many cars for 20 years, here is the skinny...

Check autohausaz.com...

ROTORS:
- Zimmerman
- Brembo
- I have also used Autozone Duralast rotors w/o any issues.
It is just a chunk of metal, sort of...

PADS:
This is the important part.
- Pagid
- Mintex
- Akebono
are the good stuff

Stay away from Bosch QuietCast, search the internet and you will find out why...

 

Thanks very much...shall I assume that these are cheaper than the OEM pads/rotors?

 

In general, good aftermarket parts are cheaper than Volvo parts.

However, there are exceptions: Volvo Timing Belt kit is much cheaper than online vendors!

The bottom line: do your search on pricing on separate online vendors and Volvo dealer websites.

 

Thanks very much. Based on your rotor recommendation, I went with Brembo rotors. My mechanic suggested TRW pads, since they make the OEM ones for Volvo. They are being replaced tomorrow (later today).