I have an '84 242 project car that needs pads and rotors. The calipers and lines look original and the master cylinder is of unknown age/mileage, so my thought is to rebuild the entire system.

I am a little wary of aftermarket parts but the OE stuff is expensive. For example, FCP Euro carries an ATE master cylinder for this car for $211. They also carry a Cardone MC for well under $100. My inclination is to spring for the OE part but these days it is hard to know whether the OEM/Volvo branded stuff is "real Volvo" or just repackaged aftermarket.

I am also inclined to go ATE for the calipers, but wondered if you guys had suggestions for rotors and pads that might improve performance over the stock setup.

Thanks!

Replace all of the rubber hoses, 6 total.

In addition to the hard parts mentioned, you should probably replace the rear brake hoses forward of the rear axle. I have had two of these trap fluid in the rear calipers on my 90 and 91 240's so I suspect an older Volvo would have the same issue.

Brian Mee

Manassas VA

PartsGeek.com has the ATE master cylinder (new, not rebuilt) for $136. Their pic shows it with reservoir.

http://www.partsgeek.com/catalog/1984/volvo/244/brake/brake_master_cylinder.html

I bought a Cardone MC (rebuilt) for my 73 1800. It didn't seem to pump right on the forward circuit - turned out it was missing some of the internal metal pieces. NICE!
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Current rides: 2005 Volvo S80 2.5T, 2003 Volvo V70 2.4NA, 1973 Volvo 1800ES (getting ever closer to road worthiness)

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Volvo-242-244-245-262-264-265-240-1978-1991-Ate-Brake-Master-Cylinder-8111006-/111785019344?fits=Make%3AVolvo%7CModel%3A240&hash=item1a06e807d0:g:cJIAAOSwixtXQyHy&vxp=mtr
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71-145-S ; 82 245GLT ; 72-1800-ES

check these guys for prices too

in Georgia

Email them using the form on the site. good guys

http://www.voluparts.com/

Consider www.tascaparts.com a Volvo dealer in R.I. with good prices.

ATE sounds good for calipers. ATE and Girling are OEM. Some years ago I bought rebuilt calipers from FCP and it turned out they were ATE anyway. You could ask them.

IMHO - For best all-around performance - OEM pads, Zimmermann rotors (if you can find them!) or OEM rotors. Brembo used to be good. Got a set for my 90 244DL that warped quick. They are now made in China anyway.

I agree with your assessment that the whole system should be rebuilt. Chances are good the MC has been replaced at least once in a 32 year old car so that might be the one expensive part you could wait on...