Choosing the Right Disc Brake Pad Set for Your 2011-2019 Volvo S60
Stop wasting money on OEM pads that underperform; here’s what you need to know for your S60.
- High-quality aftermarket ceramic pads from brands like Akebono or ATE are often a better choice than dusty, noisy OEM pads for the S60.
- Always replace brake rotors and pads at the same time for the best performance and safety.
- DIY rear brake replacement requires a special scan tool to retract the electronic parking brake; failure to use one will damage the calipers.
- Be sure to verify your S60's specific rotor size (e.g., 300mm, 322mm) before ordering parts, as multiple options exist.
Is It Time to Replace Your S60's Brake Pads?
Your Volvo is good at telling you when something is wrong. When it comes to brakes, you don't want to ignore the signs. Worn brake pads can reduce your stopping power and potentially damage more expensive parts like rotors and calipers.
Common symptoms of failing brake pads include:
- Squealing or Screeching Noises: A high-pitched noise when you apply the brakes. This is often caused by a built-in metal wear indicator telling you the pads are low.
- Grinding Sounds: A loud, harsh grinding or growling means the pads are completely worn away. The sound is metal-on-metal contact between the pad's backing plate and the rotor. Stop driving immediately if you hear this.
- Vibration in the Pedal or Steering Wheel: If you feel a pulsing or shaking when you brake, it could mean your brake rotors have warped from the heat generated by worn pads. A technical service bulletin (TSB #TJ36202.2.0) was issued for the 2019 S60 regarding vibration or shuddering while braking.
- Longer Stopping Distances: If your car takes longer to stop than it used to, your brake pads may be too worn to provide effective friction.
Known Issues for 2011-2019 Volvo S60 Brakes
While the 2011-2019 S60 is a reliable car, some owners have reported issues with the factory braking components. Many forum users and even some technicians note that the original equipment (OEM) pads can be very dusty, noisy, and may contribute to premature rotor warping. Technical Service Bulletins (TSBs) have been released for brake noise (TJ34246) and braking vibration (TJ36202.2.0) on newer models within this year range, confirming that these are recognized issues. It's important to note that while there have been brake-related recalls for software controlling the Automatic Emergency Brake (AEB) system, these do not pertain to the physical wear-and-tear of the brake pads themselves.
OEM vs. Aftermarket Pads: An Honest Assessment for Your S60
For many cars, sticking with OEM parts is a safe bet. However, for the 2011-2019 S60, many owners and independent mechanics have found that high-quality aftermarket brake pads can be a significant upgrade over the stock Volvo pads. The consensus is that OEM pads tend to create excessive dust and can be noisy.
The good news is that many top-tier aftermarket brands are the actual suppliers for Volvo. Brands like ATE, Brembo, and Textar produce the pads that go in the official Volvo blue box. By buying these brands from an aftermarket supplier, you get the same quality, often with better compound choices (like ceramic), for a lower price.
Pro Tip: Choose Ceramic Pads
For most S60 drivers, switching to a quality ceramic aftermarket pad is a smart move. Brands like Akebono are highly recommended by fellow Volvo owners for their low dust, quiet operation, and excellent stopping power for daily driving. They offer a cleaner, quieter experience without sacrificing safety.
Choosing the Right Aftermarket Brake Pad Brand
With over 20 brands available, the choice can be overwhelming. Here is a breakdown to help you decide based on quality and typical use.
Tier 1: Premium & OEM-Equivalent Brands
These brands offer quality that meets or exceeds the original Volvo parts. They are excellent for daily driving, spirited driving, and longevity.
- Akebono: A top choice among Volvo owners. Praised for being extremely quiet and producing very little brake dust.
- ATE: An original equipment supplier to Volvo. Choosing ATE is like buying the genuine part without the dealer markup.
- Brembo: Famous for performance, their standard replacement pads are high-quality and reliable. Some users note they can be dustier than ceramic options.
- Textar & Pagid: Also OEM suppliers for Volvo and other German cars. Known for excellent engineering and a factory-like feel.
Tier 2: High-Performance & Specialty Brands
For the S60 owner who drives more aggressively or wants more initial bite from their brakes.
- Hawk Performance: Offers pads with a strong initial bite and high-performance capabilities. Be aware, they tend to be much dustier and can be noisier than standard ceramic pads.
- EBC Brakes: A popular choice for those looking to upgrade performance. They offer various compounds from street performance to track use.
- StopTech & Powerstop: Often sold in kits with rotors, these brands provide a good balance of performance and value, with options like low-dust ceramic formulas.
Tier 3: Daily Driver & Value Brands
These brands offer reliable quality for everyday commuting and are a great value. They are a solid choice if you are on a budget but don't want to compromise on safety.
- Bosch: Their QuietCast line is well-regarded as a dependable, quiet, and low-dust option for daily use.
- Raybestos & Wagner Brakes: Long-standing, reputable brands in the aftermarket that offer dependable, quality replacement parts.
- Centric: A large manufacturer that provides a wide range of quality levels, from standard replacement to performance.
A Note on DIY Replacement for 2011-2019 S60
Replacing front brake pads is a straightforward job for a DIY mechanic. 🎬 Watch: Step-by-step guide to replacing your front brake pads. However, the rear brakes on these models feature an Electronic Parking Brake (EPB). You MUST use a compatible automotive scan tool to put the rear calipers into "Service Mode" before attempting to compress the pistons. Failure to do so will damage the electronic caliper motors, resulting in a much more expensive repair. 🎬 See three ways to safely retract the electronic parking brake. If you don't have the proper tool, this job is best left to a professional.
Cost of Replacing Volvo S60 Brake Pads
| Part Type | Price Range (Parts Only) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| New Aftermarket (Value) | $32 - $75 | Good for basic transportation. Brands like Pronto, Dynamic Friction. |
| New Aftermarket (Premium/OEM-Equivalent) | $75 - $200 | The sweet spot for quality and value. Includes Akebono, ATE, Bosch, Brembo. |
| New Aftermarket (High-Performance) | $150 - $460 | For performance-focused drivers. Includes Hawk, EBC Brakes. |
| Shop Labor (Per Axle) | $150 - $300 | Varies by location and shop. Dealer labor will be higher. One owner was quoted $1000 for a full pad replacement at a dealership. |
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have to replace my rotors with my pads?
It is highly recommended. Installing new pads on old, worn, or uneven rotors will reduce the effectiveness of the new pads, cause noise, and lead to premature wear. For best performance and safety, always replace pads and rotors together.
What's the difference between ceramic and semi-metallic pads?
Ceramic pads are known for being quiet, producing less dust, and being gentle on rotors. Semi-metallic pads offer excellent heat dissipation and can provide a stronger bite, but are often noisier and dustier. For most S60 owners, a high-quality ceramic pad is the best all-around choice.
Why are my new brakes squeaking?
New brakes may squeak for the first 100-200 miles during the "bedding-in" period as the pad material transfers a layer onto the rotor. If noise persists, it could be due to improper lubrication of contact points, missing hardware, or incompatible pad and rotor materials.
🎬 Watch: How to fix persistent brake squeal on an S60.My S60 has different size brake options. How do I know which pads to buy?
Volvo used several different brake sizes on the S60, often depending on trim level and engine (e.g., T5 vs. T6). The most reliable way to get the correct parts is to measure your front rotor diameter or check your vehicle's original specifications. Part listings often specify the required rotor size (e.g., "For 322mm rotors").
Helpful Videos
Technical Specifications
OEM Part Numbers: 32373348 31423652 32373125 32373178
Brake systems vary by trim and year. Common front rotor sizes are 300mm, 316mm, 322mm, 336mm, and 345mm. It is critical to confirm your vehicle's specific brake package before purchasing.
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The information in this article is provided for general reference and educational purposes only. Vehicle specifications, procedures, and part compatibility can vary by production date, trim level, and region. Always consult your vehicle's factory service manual and verify part numbers before purchasing or performing repairs. Safety-critical components such as airbags, seat belts, and braking systems should be installed by a qualified professional.
- Volvo S60:
- 🎬 Helpful Videos
- 🛍️ Shop This Part
- Is It Time to Replace Your S60's Brake Pads?
- Known Issues for 2011-2019 Volvo S60 Brakes
- OEM vs. Aftermarket Pads: An Honest Assessment for Your S60
- Pro Tip: Choose Ceramic Pads
- Choosing the Right Aftermarket Brake Pad Brand
- Tier 1: Premium & OEM-Equivalent Brands
- Tier 2: High-Performance & Specialty Brands
- Tier 3: Daily Driver & Value Brands
- A Note on DIY Replacement for 2011-2019 S60
- Cost of Replacing Volvo S60 Brake Pads
- Frequently Asked Questions
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