V50 Braking
 

Hi. Just replaced front pads with a brand called Apec. Chose these as I had previously fitted them just over 2 years ago and got an advisory for pads on last months M.O.T
Mysteriously I now have a wheel wobble on the front nearside, pads have been removed and they don’t seem to be bedding in very good although braking is perfect. The discs have very big lips on the edges and I wouldn’t be surprised if they are still the original discs on my 11 year old V50. I’m wondering now if the M.O.T should of advised on discs and not pads as the 2 year old pads were only half worn.

I am now thinking on changing the discs if anyone can advise on decent discs. I was thinking of going to my Volvo dealer but Volvo don’t make their own discs or pads and I would only be overcharged paying Volvo prices for a similar brand. I am also going to get a price on Apec discs as I have been impressed with the pads so far.

Any help or ideas of what could be causing the wobble or what brand of discs I could buy would be greatly appreciated.

Yes, the vibration you are feeling will be the lips of the disc. Usually its 2 sets of pads to 1 disc then all change.
Ive been impressed by Apec discs in the past, nicely made and vastly bettee than the awfully shoddy mintex discs they replaced.
If you arent in a rush, have a look in misterauto.co.uk, they have some great prices on good stuff like Ferodo, TRW, Textar, ATE, just it may take a week to arrive as its from abroad.

V50 discs
 

Hi Andy,
I shall have a look at that site. I was looking at Mintex, EBC and a couple of other brands. I shall stay clear of Mintex then. A friend of mine said buy my parts for a Ford Focus as there the same parts and probably get them cheaper.
Thanks

Its quite likely the parts are the same yeah, though if buying aftermarket the part number will be the same thus the parts cost will be singular to both vehicles anyway.
Out of Apec, Mintex, EBC, Id choose Apec first, EBC second, and would only buy mintex if I was in a desperate situation (I dunno, lets say a brake pad fell apart leaving me with no brakes, on a sunday, the only motor factor open for miles around only had mintex, and the car had to be used the next day without option) though Id rather chance mintex than real cheapo budget crap.

I’d go for apex as well.
(And it’s a perfect opportunity to get bigger brakes maybe?)

Depending on your brake disc sizes (didnt notice what engine you have) you may have more or less options, but OEM discs are made by ATE and you can get those less than half the price of the same ATE-made in Volvo box. Everyone has preferences so its hard to truly recommend something, I personally wouldnt touch Textar or Ferodo discs, nor EBC pads, when choosing my setup I only considered ATE vs Brembo, but its really hard to justify it without scientific tests. So go for whatever has best price2quality ratio as long as its a reputable brand. (i.e. NOT mintex :P )
ps - check amazon.co.uk, recently seen ATE set there for HALF price of misterauto's. But it changes quickly...

V50 brakes
 

To all those who replied to this original post, eventually prepared to purchase pads and discs all round. My motor is 2.0 diesel, not sure what size discs it has but is it worth going from say 300mm to 320mmm discs and pads for better braking and will the bigger size fit with original callipers?

Still can’t decide on what brand, been looking at Black Diamond performance grooved and drilled discs or just go for original Volvo pads and discs.

Help, advice and comments appreciated.
Thanks

Totally worth the upgrade. I can't explain why but having had S40s and V50s with all combinations the smallest 278mm disc setup is better than the 300mm one. 320mm is way better than both. My 300mm T5 setup kept warping discs too and the 278mm V50 and 320mm upgraded S40 never did.

I used a wide range of discs and pads and eventually decided Volvo OEM (ATE) was best in terms of performance, longevity and reduced dust emission. Many other brand pads ended up rattling in the calipers which drove me nuts.

Hope that helps.