Hi group,

It's almost time to do brakes on my 97 854 R. The front rotors are shot (just thin, not warped), and I really don't know if I should go back OEM, or try aftermarket. I want to avoid sqealing brakes! I've seen lots of posts on the board that imply anything other than OEM is going to sqeal. True? False?

Rotors: Read the recent posts about Zimmerman rotors. Good? Bad? What about the Powerslots offered by iPD?

Brake lines: Would you recommend installing new stainless lines while I'm doing the brakes?

Any hints or advice would be appreciated!

-Chris Boultinghouse

-Austin, TX

I prefer Balo over Brembo. They seems hardier in the long run - I have had Brembo warp, but never the Balo's for what that's worth (2 pairs of each). I get great service/prices from Rick at Import Parts Specialists:

mailto:rick@importpartsspec.com

a) from my experience and advice received, OEM pads are the way to go. No annoying squeal and performance is more than adequate.

I just bought Zimmerman rotors from Foreign Car Parts of Groton (CT). $73 a pair including shipping. I got that price from eBay. They have a web site and I think the price was about $35 or $37 a piece direct. I think OEM is Brembo,

I just did my front pads, for the first time at 63,000 (an 850-SVC70 record?). There is a new Volvo, part number. The new pads come LOOSE in a flimsy box labeled only with the part number and "made in France" on the box. As you can imagine, they're in great shape after rattling around in the box all the way from France.

Notwithstanding the condition of the parts, they seem to work much better than the originals.

-Phil Punxsutawney

'98 V70T5M, some minor mods

Thanks for everyone's feedback and advice! Looks like I've got several choices for rotors, but I'll use OEM pads for sure. :^)

-Chris