V70: Wheels/Brakes Front brake pads

[tommyweaves]

Are front brake pads relatively easy to change? (Asking for a 2011 D3 V70)

I noticed in the past few days my front brakes were sounding "rough" and I think the pads are shot. I've looked at the discs, with the wheel still on and it looks like the metal backing plate on the pad has started rubbing on the "lip" of the discs.

In the absence of wear sensors, how do you know when to change pads?

(Serviced last year at Volvo Dealer and no advisory on pads getting low)

[Semnoz]

Originally Posted by tommyweaves

Are front brake pads relatively easy to change? (Asking for a 2011 D3 V70)

I noticed in the past few days my front brakes were sounding "rough" and I think the pads are shot. I've looked at the discs, with the wheel still on and it looks like the metal backing plate on the pad has started rubbing on the "lip" of the discs.

In the absence of wear sensors, how do you know when to change pads?

(Serviced last year at Volvo Dealer and no advisory on pads getting low)

Haynes manual states 2mm as the minimum thickness of the friction material.

Yes, easy to replace, although that's according to me. If you've replaced pads on other cars, then you'll not find this any harder. For the sake of about £150 extra, I'd replace the rotors too. Get genuine Volvo parts online, or something decent like Brembo from Eurocarparts......

[green van man]

I have used mintex disks all round on mine, Volvo pads on the back, mintex on the front.
No problems what so ever, and half Volvo price.
Did buy caliper mounting bolts from Volvo at £2.34 each as the mintex don't have them in the box.

Paul.

[tommyweaves]

Thanks chaps for the input. In terms of changing the pads, is it just like changing pads on an old Mini? Or is there something else to look out for?

[1monkey600]

I am not sure what kind of caliper you have but if you have the 316mm discs there are four obvious bolts on the back of the caliper with big torx sockets (T55 if I remember correctly); you DO NOT have to undo these 4 bolts to change the pads, in fact Volvo specifically tells you not to in the instructions included with genuine pads. Some of the videos on youtube however do undo the 4 bolts.

All you have to undo though, after taking the spring off the outside, are the two slide bolts hiding under the black plastic covers towards the centre back of the caliper.

See this photo:

[bobsy852]

These V70's/XC70's etc. don't need any brake wind back tools or anything silly like that then?

[tt82]

I use a G-clamp to push back the piston. Done it a few times now. I do have a guide in the articles section, I need to reload the pictures on it though.

[tommyweaves]

Well I've had a look today. I see the 2 slider bolts that need to come out, but can't see whether it's a torx bit or a hex bit. Anyone know which and what size?

[tt82]

H7 Hex bit according to my guide in the articles section.

[tommyweaves]

So, got them done this afternoon, thanks to all. However:

The new pads had a slightly different size friction lining to the old ones. The new ones are Volvo 30793857, but I've just checked my service record and the last replacement ones were 30648385 according to my receipt.

The new ones have gone in and seem to fit, but took 3 or 4 miles to bed and for the pedal to firm up.

So my new question is: have I got the right new pads or did Volvo fit the wrong ones last time?

Here's a pic of the disc, note the width of the unworn/rusty part on the inner side of the disc. does that look normal?