Brake Pads - Original or Other

[prc68]

Hi everyone,
Time to change front pads. Happy with braking power, but more is always better, I guess.
Wondering if I should just go with OE pads or get something else? Had anyone had experience with uprated brake pads?

Also how do I know what brakes I have on the car. Seems that are different sized discs and different calipers and therefore different pad references.

Thanks

[benr7310]

Brembo pads from CP4L are spot on.

[Tannaton]

Most "OE Quality" or "OEM Manufacturer" brake parts (Mintex, National, etc) are substantially poorer in quality than Volvo originals. Yes they will do the job but you are much more likely to have to replace them sooner.

Upgraded parts I can't comment on but the only way to get a lower pedal effort is a softer pad compound which means faster wear. But given pads tend to last 10's of thousands of miles that might not be an issue?

[Fat Magpie]

Yes, I Have also heard that manufacturers originals are the way to go.

I am sure most are aware but the marketplace is awash with cloned components, even a respectable motor factors supplier may inadvertently carry counterfeit components.
In short it the price is too good then be wary, the counterfeiters are very very good right down to the packaging. Another reason I go with my Volvo dealer for bits.

[Clan]

Originally Posted by prc68

Hi everyone,
Time to change front pads. Happy with braking power, but more is always better, I guess.
Wondering if I should just go with OE pads or get something else? Had anyone had experience with uprated brake pads?

Also how do I know what brakes I have on the car. Seems that are different sized discs and different calipers and therefore different pad references.

Thanks

with Volvo pads you will be 100% sure that they will not squeal or rattle in their holders and last 30000 - 60000 miles . If you never press the middle pedal they will last indefinitely of course :-)

[calderaman]

From experience having changed pads on a couple of XC60's, Volvo pads are, more often than not, made by Pagid and as such, can be bought more cost effectively from other sources.

EuroCarParts often have discounts making them even better value.

[prc68]

Thanks everyone for you comments.
On my previous mercedes I went from original pagids to pagid FR pads which were quite a bit better in the stopping department, produced much less dust (something mercedes OE pads are notorious for) and only like 10 euro more.

[GusGecko]

I've had good experience with EBC pads and discs

[prc68]

Thanks Everyone.

Does anyone have an idea on how to check the disc size without actually removing wheel and manually measuring? Seems volvo use various disc sizes/calipers even within the same model.
I'm still OK on the discs, but just wondering.

Thanks

[1monkey600]

Most of the volvo alloys have plenty of space between them.

Get a long ruler or straight piece of wood. Stick a pencil or something at one end and secure another one about 30cm away with a rubber band so you can slide the second pencil back and fore.

You can then use this ensemble like a big calipers, as near as you can across the centre of the wheel. Point the end of the fixed pencil on one side of the disc and slide the other pencil to match the other side and transfer to a tape measure.

The main disc sizes on the v/xc70 are usually 300mm or 316mm so plenty of tolerence, (it's not as though you are looking for a difference of only 3-4mm)