I have 2005 S60 Turbo as a daily. Bought it brand new in 2005 and she now has 157,000 trouble-free miles. However, being a European car, replacement items can be pretty expensive. I've replaced: brakes and rotors ($1,200).
Owner reviews for brake pads
Big fan of engine breaking... In my 03 GLI I ended up selling her at 160,000...replaced rear brake pads once, and never the fronts... Clutch was still tight and never any problems.
It's honestly very low maitenence, the only thing that's slightly more costly than "normal" is your oil change due to the larger volume needed for these engines. Brakes are cheap of you do them yourself, not really different than other cars though. As far as reliability is concerned, it's top-notch.
With some research I decided to order Akebono EUR1348. Just for the rear. I think the fronts are ok for now. I know the fronts usually wear out sooner, but I think they were originally replaced by the previous owner - just not the rears.
I used Bosch pads and rotors when I last changed my front pads [available from Amazon.com]. 13K on the new setup with no problems - stops well, quiet, no vibrations - and the non-friction surfaces of the rotor aren't rusty.
stock mk4 brakes will clear
GermanAutoParts.com has front BREMBO brake pads available for 1986-1989 Scirocco 16V models. Brembo's premium ceramic compound provides increased stopping power and reduced dust combined with quiet, smooth operation. The multi-layer shims minimize noise, vibration and harshness for quiet, smooth performance. Brembo Ceramic pads are an excellent choice if you want to minimize dust and noise while increasing braking performance in general street use.
I've done lots of jobs that don't involve getting inside the engine, such as replacing brake rotors/pads, alternators, starters, shocks, accessory/alternator belts, etc.
The hawk hps are great. The dust is really easy to clean. I argee the initial bite is not as good as stock. Do not use on the track i over heated them as well.
stay away from mintex red box. i have them.. the stop great.. but they are the dustiest and noisest pad I have ever installed.
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