I have been having horrible brake noise since I got my car. I discovered the previous owner put new brakes on before he sold it....but he put on generic brakes. I was wondering if I should get the IPD Semi-Metallic or IPD Deluxe Brake pads?

I had some SERIOUS problems with the PBR Deluxe pads. Much happier with EBC Greenstuff. See:

http://www.jimrothe.com/volvo/pbr_brake_pads.html

and

http://www.jimrothe.com/volvo/ebc_green_stuff.html


--
Jim Rothe, '99 S70 T5M,
http://www.jimrothe.com/volvo/index.html

I have PBR Metalmasters with ATE Powerdiscs and have been very happy with the performance. And best yet the incidence of brake dust was greatly diminished even with heavy braking. And brake fade was minimal with this combination although I will admit that Metalmasters are a bit more aggressive on rotors than Deluxe and Mintex. I've also tried other brake pads such as PBR Deluxe, Mintex and EBC Greenstuff. My opinion is any of these brake pads is a good choice. In terms of performance though, I would rate these pads in this order: 1-Deluxe; 2-Mintex; 3-MetalMasters; and, 4-EBC Greenstuff. As long as you make sure that anti-brake squeal paste is applied to the back of your brake pads then you should not experience any brake squeal at all. I have yet to experience any brake squeal on my cars. You can purchase brake anti-squeal paste at any auto parts store. The paste dampens the vibrations that cause brake squeal.

I used Raybestos Ceramic pads on the front and they're quiet and stop very quick with no dust. Get new rotors too, they're relatively cheap.


Mike
'95 850T

I used semetalic pads from FCPGroton. Less brake dust than OEM. Be sure to use brake silicone lube on the shims. Check Bay 13 for instructions.

I put the IPD metallic pads on my 850 (along with new rotors) and have had no problems at all. Best of all, no more black dust!

Best bet for no squeeks are OEM pads. Just search the archives (below,
to the right) on "brakes squeek". OEM pads perform very well. Major
issue with them is more brake dust then then non-OEM pads. Online
discounters have pretty good prices, too (www.volvoparts.com, for example).

Also, follow the installation instructions at

http://www.volvospeed.com/bay13.htm

to reduce squeeks.