I tried some Brembo rotors some years ago and it was hard for me to imagine a part which was CNC'd to within an inch of it life would suck so badly. Could it have been in the metallurgical makeup
of them or an anti-rust coating that was impervious to acetone - I don't know. They heated up and warped the first they were really called into service on a long steep grade.

After that experience, I went to the dealer and bought the real deal. Volvo rotors can easily last 100K IF the pads are changed before the rotors are scored and IF GENUINE Volvo pads are used. And, they won't squeal to boot.

Being as cheap as the next guy, I recently picked up a pair of ATE rotors to try on the beater 240. I'll definitely report to this forum if they queef out too soon.

Also, replace the backing plates - they are there for a reason.


Rich

Make sure the rebuilt calipers aren't dragging - that will warp any rotor. The splash shields are not worth replacing - many new cars don't use them at all, and I routinely remove them on my own Volvos.
If I was buying loaded calipers, I'd buy the vented ones, and upgrade to vented rotors.

Gary:

Excessive lug nut torque will warp rotors PERIOD! That being said, I've had bad luck with Brembo rotors and have switched to ATE Power discs... no problem. Also make sure that the face of the hub and the mating surface on the back of the rotor is clean.

And yes, get new rotor shields! They extend pad life and when the rotors are hot, they help minimize cold water splash onto them that can promote warp.

Brakes are safety critical, don't skimp, period.

jorrell


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92 245 250K miles, IPD'd to the hilt, 06 XC70, 00 Eclipse custom Turbo setup...currently taking names and kicking reputations!

Brembos warped on me too, in about the same amount of time. I don't know what caused it, but I suspect that I left on old pads. In any case, I torque my lugnuts everytime now.

Your the 4th person I hear with warped Brembo rotors my brother-in-law being one. It seems to me that there was either a bad batch of the Brembo's or something is wrong with the quality lately. I would recommend a set of ATE's from eEuro. I would also replace the splash guards.

Are the suspension bushings OK? What kind of pads are you using?

Not using a torque wrench to tighten the lug nuts will do a number on the rotors in short time!

-Ryan
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Athens, Ohio
1987 245 DL 314k, dog-mobile
1990 245 DL 134k M47, E-codes
1991 745 GL 292k, Regina, 23/21mm turbo sway bars
Buckeye Volvo Club