Hi Guys,

I will probably have to have the front brake rotors replaced on a well-maintained 82 242, and was wondering what knowledgeable folks think are the best parts to use. I believe there are ATE solid rotors on it currently although I am not sure what pad set was used.

An older post on the board indicates that ATE rotors with cooling grooves, along with PBR full metallic pads are one way to go. I believe stainless steel and teflon shims were also suggested.

Any other rebuild parts that you think are work specifying would be good to know of. (I would like to retain the stock calipers if possible so full vented rotors are probably out if the calipers are ok.) However, if you have had practical experience with the vented rotor/califper setup on a 200 series I would like to know what you think about their advantages --- if any.

This vehicle has a 5 speed manual transmission, and I drive a mix of street, freeway, and mountain roads in northern California. (Tires = Bridgestone Turanza LHS, 205x60x16, IPD HD sway bars, Bilstein shocks and struts, overload springs in rear).

Thanks. Dave.

In my own search for brake parts for my 242t I found that opinions on pads and discs can vary as much as opinions on politics and religion ;-)

As for my own opinion; the little turbo, as I call her, is not my daily driver. She is used on the weekends for "spirited" touring around the back roads of central California. I don't care about pad or rotor life, I want the best possible stopping power available within my budget. I started out with Zimmermans and PBR Metalmasters which were excellent in normal driving conditions, but when pushed hard I experienced a bit more fade than I was comfortable with. Recently I swapped them out for ATE Power Discs and PBR Ceramics. This combo works very well when cold and get better as they warm up. I can still get them to fade but I have to push them very hard. I am in the process of adding cooling ducts to the front brakes to see if they will improve the situation and will post back when the project is complete and tested.

Note: this is on a system with a new master cylinder, new junction block and all new DOT 4 brake fluid. Calipers are OEM Volvo in good condition.

BTW, the slots in the discs are not for cooling, they are for building heat in the pads and for allowing gasses, which build up between the disc and pad, to escape.

BTW2, New hardware (pins, springs, teflon shims) and Sil Glyde lube will go a long way toward reducing brake squeel.

Good luck,

--
don hodgdon '89 744ti, '81 242t, '71 D-35

Brembo also makes replacement rotors that are (usually) cheaper. Check at TireRack.com

If you were happy with the previous performance of the brakes then upgraded pads may be nice. GreenStuff comes to mind as a good uprated pad.

Re-engineering brakes is a pain in the bottom and best avoided unless you have a driving (lol) need for a change.

The key to success on a brake job is proper bedding of the pads. DO NOT bring the car to a complete stop with "green" pads on them as it can/may/will ruin the discs and you will be wondering why they "warped" in such short order (material transfer before top layer of binding material can "gas-off"). Once the pads are on gingerly drive to an open seciton of road where you can make progressively faster stops (25 to 5, 35 to 5, 45 to 5, 55 to 5) They should be happy to go by then.

Mike!