I have an old fashion C shaped micrometer. I wanted to measure rotor thickness - just because the dealer said they are to thin to re-use (64K miles and never turned, I think he's fibbing). With the splash shield - I can't get the micrometer in there. Is this what's happen in the 90's? (many of my cars are 80's). Is there a new kind of micrometer?

Yep - the dealer replaced my front pads 5 years ago for $145 but wants $450 to do the rears with new rotors. I don't think so. My 84 country squire has the original rotors on it.

These volvo rotors don't show much of a wear ridge - if any.

steve 850 1995.

$450 for rear brakes? i'm in the wrong business. i believe to measure your rotor you will have to remove the caliper to get the right access for the rotor. The rotors themselves can be had for around $35 from places like autozone and the pads for around $25. i believe the emergency brake shoes are inside the rear rotor. maybe the dealer was pricing their replcement too. in this case the shoes are probably very pricy from the dealer. you might be able to measure the rotors by removing the pads from the caliper. i believe this is fairly easy on your car because the caliper loads from the top. later v70
s require removal of the caliper.

$25 for pads - cool. From what i read the pads just pull out once 2 pins are removed. Squeeze the pistons back, pop fresh pads in and ready to go. Sounds like an easy job. If I could easily measure the rotors I could go back and ask the dealer why they said they are to thin and need to be replaced.

They were only in the brake area because they were doing some gastanks shield recall (along with new timing belt). I'm sure their analysis was based on a flash light peek.

steve

Do a search on this board or elsewhere regarding replacing Volvo brakes/rotors. You will find a lot of posts, and many recommendations that you replace the pads and rotors at the same time. Most people don't see resurfacing 850 rotors as an option, even if they are thick enough. Leaves a non uniform metal structure (even though it is smooth) Some people replace the rotors every other set of pads. I did my rear pads and rotors for around $110. There are the "use Volvo OEM only" folks and the "use third party folks". I used Brembo rotors and third party pads. A mechanic on this board wished me luck and warned he has had trouble with non-OEM parts coming back squeaking. I can tell you that after 5000 miles mine started sqeaking (just a bit, but it is there). You were right, Mark! After this experience I may go OEM next time. It is an EASY job. Look over at Bay13 on volvospeed. Tell the dealer "no, thanks".

bay13 it is. thanks

i am not advocating the use of non oem parts, however, any consumer should be aware that many parts come from the same basket and that they should not be afraid simply becasue the price is low or they are from china. i have bought numerous oem rotors from major (raybestos) and minor (united) brands with good results. in fact i recently purchased a set of rotors for a v70 that were made in Canada for about $23 each. the way the manufacturers are these days, all of their parts are low bid so you really don't know where that "volvo" part comes from.