Among the latest issues I've been having with my 240 is a squealing/thumping brake problem. When I replaced two tires at Mavis Discount Tire while in NYC about a month ago I was told I would need front brakes and rotors (and quoted about $260 for this).

I put it off until last weekend and went to Monroe Muffler Brake, ignoring advice to go to the Volvo dealer for the brakes. They replaced the front brakes and rotors for just under $500. I thought this was high, but maybe the other place mis-quoted??

Anyway, in less than a week, they started squealing at stops and I also notice a thumping when I apply them very quickly. So I went back to Monroe, they test-drove it and I could hear the squeal from over a block away and inside the building. They told me that the guy who was there last weekend put on metal brake pads and no matter what you do, metal brake pads are going to squeal. If I go back tomorrow and talk to the guy who did the brakes last weekend, apparently he will refund me the money for the metal brake pads and charge me the difference for ceramic pads which this guy said won't squeal. I didn't even ask if there will be an aditional a charge for labor, but I did ask why, if metal brake pads squeal, there aren't a lot more people squealing to every stop? He told me to come in tomorrow and talk to the guy who did the brakes last weekend.

I don't feel very confident about the explanation they have given me so far and I want to be prepared tomorrow with some knowledge, so, if anyone has any to share on this issue, I'd appreciate it. From the research I have done, it is not normal for new brakes to squeal and this can lead to damage. Will the ceramic pads stop the squealing? Is it possible that damage has been done already? They didn't even notice the thumping when they test drove it, but that only seems to happen when I apply the brakes rapidly.