About a month ago I posted a message about brake service and DIY pad change for the front brakes. Well, I didn't have the courage or the confidence to do it even though many have said it's quite an easy task. (Again, thank you all for the advice and help. I will use the info for future diagnosis and perhaps a DIY brake job.) I was too afraid I might end up doing something wrong, have something left over, or end up losing something. I ended up taking my baby to this Volvo indie along with 130 something dollars as an offering. I'm trying to develop a relationship with that place. They only work on Volvos, use only Volvo parts, and are quite nice and reasonable people. They did a pretty dandy job on the front brakes. I am now able to drive my car with a little more assurance :o)

At first the brakes squeeled a little, but I heard that was normal. The noise has since disappeared but comes back every now and then. The thing that annoys me a little is the excessive brake dust from these Volvo pads. My front virgoes are always dusty. But then in a way the dust gives a nice gunmetal color look on the rims but only if evenly distributed.