Need more stopping power what brake kits can you get or get off anouthere volvo ?

original parts v300 brakes will scare the shit out of you under breaking when in good condition (ie face against windshield moments).
i'm going for a full conversion but that's pure for looks, not for the feel that i'm missing braking power.

there are some mild disk + pad kits available for the front but those aren't that big in a difference compared to good original parts. other than that, it's all custom work.

Agreed, stock brakes will lock all 4 wheels at any given speed - the limiting factor is traction. Give your brakes a good service - then decide whether you still need upgrades.

Having said that Adam (340GLT), will do a good custom brake work for a very reasonable fee.

http://www.volvo300mania.com/forum-uk/v ... ilit=brake

volvodspec wrote:original parts v300 brakes will scare the shit out of you under breaking when in good condition (ie face against windshield moments).

Must be something amiss with mine then, i've never really been able to lock them up well, and with new grooved discs, pads and fluid they are still pretty shite! They have a pretty decent feeling pedal, but the the feeling of the brakes themselves leaves a lot to be desired.

I've got no leaks, so where should i be looking and what should i replace, i take it rear drums and shoes is a good start?

Not if you can't lock the fronts with grooves...

What state are your flexi's? New fluid? What brand pads do you have in?

magnumpi wrote:

volvodspec wrote:original parts v300 brakes will scare the shit out of you under breaking when in good condition (ie face against windshield moments).

Must be something amiss with mine then, i've never really been able to lock them up well, and with new grooved discs, pads and fluid they are still pretty shite! They have a pretty decent feeling pedal, but the the feeling of the brakes themselves leaves a lot to be desired.

I've got no leaks, so where should i be looking and what should i replace, i take it rear drums and shoes is a good start?

Drums are pretty bullet proof, but rear cylinders and shoes might need changed. You can get a Goodridge hose kit to firm up the front, are there are OEM type hoses knocking about on ebay still. Other thing to consider is your master cylinder.

Cheers guys, as i say the fluid has been replaced 2weeks ago and flushed right through, i used Halfrauds Dot4 racing special thinking it would make it better, which it hasn't.

The front pads and discs are both Black Diamond.

Visualy the flexi hoses all look fine but for the cost i may just replace them anyway, i thinbk it's more the point that i "could" be the MC but don't really fancy changing it until all other possibilities are eliminated.

Does anyone know where to buy caliper rebuild kit (piston seals mainly) from?

apologies for hijack, but a thread entitles brakes seems like a good place for a brake-related question.

If it's fade that you are having problems with then vented disks from a mk3 capri can be fitted quite easily.

I've pushed the 340/360 brakes to the limit in the past, as with most cars there should be no problem locking the wheels at any speed, but if you use the brakes alot in a short time and have good tyres suspension etc you will experience brake fade due to the build up of heat in the fluid. The main cure for this is the best/new brake fluid and good condition everything else, free moving self adjusters etc. however I never managed to get rid of it completely on my test circuit over the hills nearby.

If you are having problems not locking up without heat build up there is something seriously wrong. If its all wheels then most likely the master cyl or perhaps vacuum hose collapsing making the pedal more difficult to push.

Sliderman wrote:Does anyone know where to buy caliper rebuild kit (piston seals mainly) from?

Brakes International, Rochdale.

That's where I got mine from anyway.

Thanks, i'll give them a call as they don't seem to list them on the web page.