I think my brake pads are needing replacement soon and though I've never done it myself I plan to start now. I was just wondering what are the best pads people recommend for typical, everyday driving?

Also, is there anything else I should check out while I'm doing the brakes or in general for a car with 120,000 miles.

Thanks,
Dan

If so--

A Volvo master mechanic told me recently that it wasn't good to replace pads by pushing fluid back upstream to make room for the new (thicker) pads. You can drive crud into the ABS unit which is not good for it.

Got to bleed at each caliper to dump excess fluid. Yeah I know it's a real pain--you get into the whole bleed-the-brakes drill when on older models replacing the pads was a piece of cake.

I paid the shop to do it their way. I'm real conservative when it comes to brakes.

Another reason I almost like the non-ABS brakes better (at least on 240s).

Good luck.

Doug Harvey

Doug,

I agree that dumping a little fluid at each bleeder is good. And IMO, much preferred to the "Clamp the Brake Hose Shut" method advocated by many. (The Bleed method is from the Volvo Brake greenbook, BTW.)

But I see no need to get into "the whole bleed-the-brakes drill", as long as no air is introduced. Just put a hose on the bleeder, let maybe 2 spoonsfull out, the close the bleeder. Check the MC level half way around to be cautious, then top it off when the new pads are in and pumped a few times.

I also like the 240 fixed-piston Girlings better too, but the (non-functioning ABS) brakes on the 940 are OK as long as sliders and pad shims get attention every 5,000 miles or so.
--
Bruce Young
'93 940-NA (current) — 240s (one V8) — 140s — 122s — since '63.

I believe the car is ABS; I've only owned it a short while, but I remember that was mentioned though it doesn't feel any different than my 1987 244 or 87 245.

I have numerous Volvo Greenbooks that came with the car, but I was wondering if the information wouldn't be valid since the book is for Brakes 1975-- (not sure when it was printed). None of my books mention any dates past 1985 (I believe).

Where would the easiest place to buy pads be? autozone, foreign autoparts?

Also, off topic, my driver's side rear brake light goes out when I apply the brakes, but the parking lights all work. All the others work and it appears the bulb is fine, though there seems to be a little corrosion (not too bad) on the contact. Could the corrosion be the problem or would it be a wiring issue?

Finally, is there anything else I should do to the car since I've only owned it less than 1500 miles? (the previous owner was a meticulous DIYer, but the only recent work I know of was that he changed the timing belt)

Thanks again,
Dan

What the others said.

I went to NAPA and bought the NAPA parts.

No issues. 18 months and about 15K miles ago.

91_240

In addition to JWalker's response you may want to grease the bearings also.
--
Happy Motoring Miguel '86 244 and '87 245

Volvo or PBR Deluxe pads for everyday driving.

Get a good book like a Bentley and since you are a first-timer, you might want to get someone to help you.

In advance of your brake job, you might want to pull your wheels (carefully with appropriate use of jack AND jackstands!) in advance of the job and size it up. This also gives you a chance to examine the condition of your rotors and calipers. It might be a little early at 120K, but while there also check out ball joints, tie rods and bushings.


Have fun,



--
Jim 90 244DL 245K