XC 90 Rotors

[S22]

I have a 2010 R-Design XC 90 6 cyl. The OE rotors lasted approx. 70k miles. Subsequent OE rotors (3 sets) have lasted approx 10k before warping. I cant figure our why. We checked the calipers; no hoses are collapsing. An thoughts on this issue?

Thanks

[binty]

Hi,
XC90's are noted for eating OEM parts on brakes and suspension. Big heavy car so they have to be substantial to last. There may be some makes of OEM that are good enough, sure someone will advise if they have found a good one.

Try a set of Volvo rotors (discs), you should aim for 30% discount from the dealer.
Also ensure the hub face is completely clean before fitting so they are aligned.

Good luck.

[poiuytre111]

Apparently most cases of warped discs are not warped at all, rather the normal build-up of friction material on the disc is patchy. I have experienced "warped discs" where the problem went away completely after a period - I had not changed the replacement discs a second time so soon after the first replacement having had an episode of serious braking of a heavily loaded car from about 80mph without the opportunity to cool the discs before stopping. I think this is all about your initial use of the replacement discs.

[SwissXC90]

My 2009 XC90 had the original front brake discs (rotors) replaced at 112000km, which is around 70000 miles. The new ones have been fine, and I have done around 3000km (1800 miles) on them.

I have a slight squeak from the right hand side front wheen when lightly braking at times, but otherwise normal performance.

[galloot633]

Originally Posted by poiuytre111

Apparently most cases of warped discs are not warped at all, rather the normal build-up of friction material on the disc is patchy. I have experienced "warped discs" where the problem went away completely after a period - I had not changed the replacement discs a second time so soon after the first replacement having had an episode of serious braking of a heavily loaded car from about 80mph without the opportunity to cool the discs before stopping. I think this is all about your initial use of the replacement discs.

Ive heard this as well, when I bought my xc in 2010 (80,000miles) it had a pronounced judder at 60 mph that I would have described as warped discs, however I applied the brakes quite gently in an attempt to "skim off " the build up and it worked, now done 170000 on the same discs and pads
Dave

[Tannaton]

Originally Posted by poiuytre111

Apparently most cases of warped discs are not warped at all, rather the normal build-up of friction material on the disc is patchy. I have experienced "warped discs" where the problem went away completely after a period - I had not changed the replacement discs a second time so soon after the first replacement having had an episode of serious braking of a heavily loaded car from about 80mph without the opportunity to cool the discs before stopping. I think this is all about your initial use of the replacement discs.

There are two issues with XC90 brakes (in my mind anyway)...

- Some drivers tend to keep the car stationary at traffic lights by keeping their foot on the brake rather than putting the car into Park. This is the wrong thing to do - if you have just stopped from speed the discs will be hot and the areas covered by the pads (pressed hard) will cool differently to the rest. This can lead to warping and/or as you say the normal glazing on the discs being inconsistent. If you have judder - a few hard stops from 60-70 mph sometimes improves it as it strips the glaze.

- This has been debated extensively but many of us are certain that the best discs and pads for your XC90 are Volvo originals - not OEM manufacturer but Volvo originals from the Volvo parts supply. Mine had warped discs when I got it - I fitted Mintex and they warped, I skimmed them and they warped, I fitted genuine Volvo and fine ever since. BTW some people suggest that Volvo brake parts are all made by ATE and hence ATE branded items are the same. They're not guaranteed to be - Volvo make some of their own discs in their own foundry, and I think this is the case for the XC90. ATE make the brake pads but this is likely to be a Volvo specific formula that they are not allowed to sell under their own name.

As has been said - the 2.2 ton XC90 is heavy on front brakes and suspension components.

[Clan]

If for some reason your locking wheel bolt is not torqued up to the normal 140 nm, that can cause discs to warp .

[S22]

I have always used Volvo OE from a Volvo dealer in CT.

[Tannaton]

Originally Posted by S22

I have always used Volvo OE from a Volvo dealer in CT.

It can get confusing - here in the UK a lot of sellers advertise their parts as "OE" manufacture - which implies they were made by a company that also makes parts that are fitted to cars in the factory. It means sod all really... There is no substitute for the genuine part from the dealer when it comes to Volvo brakes.

[oragex]

Originally Posted by S22

I have a 2010 R-Design XC 90 6 cyl. The OE rotors lasted approx. 70k miles. Subsequent OE rotors (3 sets) have lasted approx 10k before warping. I cant figure our why. We checked the calipers; no hoses are collapsing. An thoughts on this issue?

Thanks

As Clan says, my understanding is the wheel lugs are not properly tighten down, thus causing the rotors to distort. The wheel lugs put their pressure directly on the rotor surface. If one or two lugs have greater or lesser torque than the others, the brake disc will distort. It's a pure mechanical thing. The brakes will start shuddering a few hundred miles down the road. Also make sure not to put any grease on caliper sliders and feel they slide easily by hand.

Now the good news: even if the car was driven for months with a brake shudder, once the wheel lugs are tighten properly, the shudder will disappear even with the old rotor. Don't discard the rotors!