I have a 1993 240. Recently, the brake service light came on when applying brakes. I have never replaced brake pads and rotors on any vehicle before. I am mechanically inclined. How tough a job and does anyone have any instructions they could recommend. Also, what type rotors and pads. The car is a daily driver for my 17 year old daughter

Thanks.
Kevin

As mentioned, check fluid first.

Keep an eye on brake pedal height engagement. On a 93 it is most likely a bad MC. Unlikely to be bad caliper or hose on a newer 240 like yours....

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90 244DL 253K - original engine/drivetrain :)

Any reason you feel you need new Rotors?

I don't cut or replace unless I have an issue with them.
So it's just Pads.

Don't add fluid to the reservour until After you put the new Pads on so it wont overflow as you squeeze the pistons in for the new Pads.
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'75 Jeep CJ5 345Hp ChevyPwrd, two motorcycles, '85 Pickup: The '89 Volvo is the newest vehicle I own. it wasn't Volvos safety , it was Longevity that sold me

I agree wit my soul bro from Portland...
If its a 93 than its ABS and did the brake failure light or the ABS light come on?

If its the ABS light it could be several things
clogged indicator wheel on the hub(s)
ABS isn;t getting 12v (sign of a bad battery or alt)

If its the brake failure light it could be a bad hose or leaky aliper or the like

240's never had an idiot light for brake pad wear

Forgive me if I'm missing something here but...

Wait wait wait!

Brake Service or Brake Failure light came on?

As far as I know, there is only a light for the Brakes (not counting the ABS light) and that light in the dash is Brake Failure.

If it came on when you hit the brake, that's a sign of a brake system where something isn't working right (meaning, the master cylinder, etc...)

The car can't detect how worn out the brake pads or rotors are.

I think you have bigger problems then a simple brake pad change.

Check the level of brake fluid, first and foremost.
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If you listen to the radio in Portland, OR, you may know me as 'Portland's Favorite Soul Brother!'

Kevin:

Looks like you're covered on the instructions. As for rotors and pads, I've had good luck with Brembo and Zimmerman rotors and PBR/Axxis deluxe pads as sold by FCP Groton (and others). I'd also recommend you pick up a Motive Products brake bleeder (it's a wonderful tool) and flush the system with fresh brake fluid (the Valvoline synthetic is widely available and supposed to be good; I generally use Castrol LMA) once you get the new parts installed.
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Mike W., six Volvos (four that run), Largo, FL

Look here http://www.brickboard.com/FAQ/700-900/Brakes.htm
Brakes are basically the same for your 240
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-------Robert, '93 940t, '90 240 wagon, '84 240 diesel (she's sick) , '80 245 diesel, '86 740 GLE turbo diesel, '82 Mercedes 300SD for sale

And this if you have ABS

http://www.brickboard.com/FAQ/700-900/BrakesABS.htm