A Guide to Choosing the Right Brake Pads for Your 2017-2025 Volvo S90
Stop wasting money on brake pads that wear out too fast or cover your wheels in dust.
- Expect rapid rear brake pad wear (as low as 20k miles) if you frequently use Pilot Assist in traffic.
- To reduce the heavy brake dust from OEM pads, switch to a quality aftermarket ceramic brand like Akebono or PowerStop.
- Rear brake replacement is complicated by the electronic parking brake, which requires a special procedure to retract.
- Vibrations are a common complaint; always replace rotors and pads together for the best results.
Signs Your S90 Brake Pads Are Failing
When your brake pads are worn, your Volvo will give you clear warning signs. Ignoring them can lead to more expensive repairs. Here’s what to look and listen for:
🎬 Watch: A quick guide on how to inspect your Volvo brakes.- Squealing or Screeching Noises: This is often the first sign. A small metal tab called a wear indicator scrapes against the rotor, making a high-pitched noise to tell you the pads are thin.
- Grinding Sounds: If you hear a deep, metallic grinding, stop driving as soon as it is safe. This means the pads are completely worn away, and metal is grinding against metal, which can destroy your brake rotors.
- Vibration in Pedal or Steering Wheel: If you feel a pulsing or shaking through the brake pedal when you stop, it could mean your brake rotors have been warped by heat from worn pads. This is a common complaint on the S90.
- Brake Warning Light: Your S90 is equipped with brake pad wear sensors. When the pads are too low, a warning message will appear on your dashboard.
- Longer Stopping Distances: If your car takes longer to stop than it used to, your pads may be too worn to create enough friction.
Known Issues for the Volvo S90
S90 owners frequently report two main issues: surprisingly rapid rear brake wear and vibrations. Some drivers need new rear pads in as little as 20,000-25,000 miles. This is often caused by heavy use of the Pilot Assist or adaptive cruise control systems, which rely on the rear brakes in stop-and-go traffic. Vibration from the rear rotors is also a common complaint. Choosing a quality aftermarket pad can help with some of these issues.
Choosing the Right Aftermarket Brake Pads
You don't have to buy brake pads from the Volvo dealer. Aftermarket brands often provide better performance for less money. They generally fall into three categories:
Tier 1: Economy & Daily Driver
These pads meet or exceed factory specifications for safety and are a great value for normal daily driving. They focus on quiet operation and reliable stopping.
- Bosch QuietCast & Blue: A well-respected name that provides reliable, quiet stopping power similar to the original parts.
- Raybestos Element3 & Wagner Brakes: Solid, dependable choices that offer a good balance of performance and price for everyday use.
- Centric Posi Quiet: Known for being very quiet and producing low dust, making them a clean and simple factory replacement.
Tier 2: OEM-Equivalent & Premium Upgrade
This tier is for owners who want to solve common S90 brake problems like excessive dust and noise. These pads often use advanced ceramic formulas.
- Akebono EURO Ultra-Premium: A top choice among S90 owners. These ceramic pads are highly recommended for their ability to dramatically reduce brake dust while providing a firm, quiet stop.
- ATE Coated / Ceramic: A German brand that is an original equipment manufacturer for many European cars. They offer excellent, factory-level performance and feel.
- Brembo: While known for high performance, their standard replacement pads offer excellent quality and a confident pedal feel, though some users note they can be dusty.
Pro Tip: Ceramic vs. Semi-Metallic
Your original Volvo pads are likely a semi-metallic compound. They offer a great bite across all temperatures but create a lot of dark brake dust. Most premium aftermarket pads for the S90 use a ceramic formula. Ceramic pads are much cleaner, quieter, and last a long time, making them the most popular upgrade for luxury cars like the S90.
Tier 3: High-Performance
For the driver who wants a more aggressive bite and improved fade resistance during spirited driving. These pads may create more noise and dust than premium ceramic options.
- PowerStop Z23 Evolution Sport: A popular entry-level performance pad that offers a strong initial bite and very low dust.
- EBC Brakes Redstuff: A ceramic performance pad that provides a significant improvement in stopping power once warmed up, but requires a proper break-in period.
- Brembo Xtra: These pads are designed to be paired with Brembo's drilled or slotted rotors for improved high-temperature performance and a consistently firm pedal.
Estimated Costs for Brake Pad Replacement
| Part Type | Price Range (Per Axle) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Aftermarket Brake Pads | $34 - $250 | Price depends on brand and material (ceramic is often more expensive). |
| Shop Labor | $175 - $275 | Rear brakes may cost more due to the electronic parking brake. |
| Total Estimated Cost | $209 - $525 | Does not include new rotors, which are often replaced at the same time. |
Important Recall Information
A recall (NHTSA #25V392) was issued for some 2025 S90 Plug-In Hybrid (PHEV) models. It involves a software bug that could cause a loss of brake function after coasting downhill. This is fixed with a free software update from a Volvo dealer and is not related to the physical brake pads, but owners of affected vehicles should have the update performed immediately.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I replace S90 brake pads myself?
Yes, if you have mechanical experience. The front brakes are a straightforward job. 🎬 Watch: Step-by-step guide for replacing S90 front pads and rotors. However, the rear brakes require putting the Electronic Parking Brake (EPB) into "service mode." This can be done with a special scan tool, or by following a specific sequence of pressing the accelerator and parking brake button. 🎬 See how to enter rear brake service mode without a scanner. If this procedure is not done correctly, you can damage the rear brake calipers. Many DIYers choose to have a shop handle the rear brakes because of this complexity.
Why are my S90 wheels always covered in black dust?
The original factory brake pads on most Volvos are a semi-metallic compound. While they provide excellent stopping power, they generate a lot of visible dust as they wear. Switching to a quality ceramic brake pad, like those from Akebono or PowerStop, will significantly reduce the amount of brake dust on your wheels.
Why did my rear brake pads wear out so fast?
This is a very common issue with the S90 and other modern Volvos. The Pilot Assist and adaptive cruise control systems often use the rear brakes to maintain speed and distance in traffic. If you frequently drive in stop-and-go conditions with these systems active, it will wear down the rear pads much faster than the fronts.
Do I need to replace my brake rotors with the pads?
It is highly recommended. To ensure the best performance and longest life from your new pads, they should be installed on a fresh, flat surface. Installing new pads on old, worn rotors can cause noise, vibrations, and accelerated wear. Given the S90's known tendency for brake vibrations, replacing pads and rotors together is the best practice.
There are multiple brake sizes listed for my car. How do I know which one is right?
Volvo used several different brake sizes on the S90, sometimes based on trim level or wheel size. The most reliable way to confirm your rotor size is to look for a number stamped on the brake caliper itself. If you cannot find it, you may need to measure the diameter of the brake rotor (the metal disc) or have a professional identify the correct parts.
Helpful Videos
Technical Specifications
The Volvo S90 (2017-2025) uses several different brake sizes. Common front rotor sizes are 322mm and 345mm. It is critical to verify the size for your specific vehicle, as parts are not interchangeable. The size is often stamped on the brake caliper. All models use an electronic parking brake (EPB) on the rear axle.
We Have This Part in Stock
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 S90:
- 🎬 Helpful Videos
- 🛍️ Shop This Part
- Signs Your S90 Brake Pads Are Failing
- Known Issues for the Volvo S90
- Choosing the Right Aftermarket Brake Pads
- Tier 1: Economy & Daily Driver
- Tier 2: OEM-Equivalent & Premium Upgrade
- Pro Tip: Ceramic vs. Semi-Metallic
- Tier 3: High-Performance
- Estimated Costs for Brake Pad Replacement
- Important Recall Information
- Frequently Asked Questions
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