2004 V70 with 286 mm rotors What would be needed for an upgrade to 305 mm rotors besides rotors and wheels ? Calipers, mounting brackets and pads?

How often will you be towing the trailer under demanding conditions?

If it is a special trip - perhaps you could have your rotors skimmed by a KNOWLEDGABLE tech and install new Volvo pads, if your rotors can qualify for new pad thickness

If not, new rotors and pads - the extra meat will better absorb heat.

In the 15 years that i have read this board Have seen WAY too many posts about bad experiences with others pads - like not stopping at all for a second or more with wet pads, noisy, etc.

Took a look at the brakes and have to ask if the dust shields have to be changed as well? It doesn't look as though there is enough room for the 305 rotors to fit a 283 dust shield from rough measurements.

I'd wager a guess that the dust shields don't need to be changed. If they are different, then the flange of the original smaller shields can probably be bent/cut back to clear.

This is probably a good time to check the parts catalogs. Compare the brake parts for your V70 vs those for a V70R. I presume that's what you're after. Also you can do some searching for "big brake kits" (BBK) on the Volvo classifieds groups. I'm a member of one group on Facebook where there's usually someone who's selling some R brakes.

All that said, I, like the others, don't have direct experience with the swap and am of the opinion that the stock brakes, with good pads and rotors (fresh brake fluid will help too), will be adequate for whatever towing you should be doing.

Best of luck,
Will
--
XC60 / Odyssey

I'm looking at putting a trailer hitch on and towing a small trailer, so was thinking of up sizing the brakes. Thanks for your reply

Remember, the front brakes do 80% of the work. The only time you will need larger brakes is in mountain terrain, and shifting down to 3rd will do most of the work for you. My axiom regarding steep down hill grades: use the same gear you needed to go up hill.

If your trailer is less than 1 ton, 2200lbs, your brakes should be just fine. Anything over that, I suggest getting trailer brakes. And increase your following distance from 3 seconds to 5 seconds! You don't want to totally stress the hitch by invoking ABS in panic braking!

Wheels need to be at least 16", that should not be a problem. You will need caliper brackets, calipers, and new pads.

There are 'kits' to do this, not cheap. The best bet for stopping quickly in normal driving is for a good set of pads. Ate pads are real nice and can be had in ceramic.