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I'm contemplating the dreaded S-word: Scantech. Tell me if I should forget about it.
Volvo parts are expensive in Australia, buying OEM is a bitch, $20 just for two wheel studs and a couple of lugnuts last time I had to buy anything through a Volvo supplier. I got quoted $AU137 ea for Solid front rotors, which seems a little high, given that they're a 3rd that from FCP, and would probably work out much cheaper, even allowing for shipping to Australia. I'll have a set sent as soon as I can afford it.
Which leaves the question of my calipers, I've got a left rear that drags a bit, and a left front which dragged enough to nearly put my car sideways on the freeway. (I do have an interim scrapyard caliper for the front, to keep my car drivable in the meantime)
Now it seems that if I'm getting rotors shipped, I could maybe grab some calipers while I'm at it, seeing as how I'm shelling out for expensive postage anyway.
There's not much point buying reco calipers from FCP, since I'd have to mail mine back to the states, which isn't a cheap way to go about things, but I do like the look of their prices on new Scantech calipers. Are Scantech comparable to Volvo OEMs?, If not I'll just have mine rebuilt here.
The other option that looks good is to buy through IPD, although the rotors are marginally more espensive. If I'm getting hardware shipped through them, I can get the parts to rebuild the calipers instead, is this an easy job for a reasonably competant home mechanic? I don't normally like to touch brakes, because if you stuff up, you don't get a second attempt. On the other hand the diagrams look simple enough, and I think I could do it.
I drive a Volvo because it has excelant discs all-round, and I compliment those with good Bridgestone rubber, (and new front struts as soon as I can get them). If Scantech are as good as the original girlings, then I'll fit them, but I'm not willing to take even a few feet off my stopping distance to save money. I keep thinking about the road safety ads on TV where they show how a few meters difference in braking distance can double the impact speed. I want the best brakes I can get, otherwise what's the point in driving Swedish?
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Drive it like you hate it
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