Volvo 740 Estate Auto 1988 - Brake Calipers - ABS - 2316cc

[deeman940]

I dont know if of any use but i have the complete front setup off a 940 turbo 1997....calipers . carriers, discs, pads . lines etc etc ready to go....new skider pins, discs n pads very recent...
Damo

[loki_the_glt]

Front calipers are sliding caliper ones - non-ABS with two pistons, ABS with one piston This is because non-ABS cars have the, IMO more desirable and arguably safer, triangular split with each circuit plumbed to both front calipers and one rear.

All rear calipers are fixed, two-piston ones.

[Xylonite]

I have now heard back from my Mechanic who was sourcing my calipers. They cannot get any new ones but can provide reconditioned ones for £450 (Labour costs etc which I am ok with). I just really wanted advice on whether this is the only way forward or is there somewhere to source new ones. I don’t know if mine can be reconditioned and all four failed the MOT. Thanks again for any help.

[Laird Scooby]

Originally Posted by Xylonite

I have now heard back from my Mechanic who was sourcing my calipers. They cannot get any new ones but can provide reconditioned ones for £450 (Labour costs etc which I am ok with). I just really wanted advice on whether this is the only way forward or is there somewhere to source new ones. I don’t know if mine can be reconditioned and all four failed the MOT. Thanks again for any help.

What are your mechanical skills? If you are ok with replacing calipers yourself and using a Gunsons Easibleed, you could save a lot. You could get recoditioned calipers from https://www.biggred.co.uk/ probably for about half what you're being quoted, obviously you'll need DOT4 brake fluid as well (i'd suggest 5L to make sure you have enough.

I've not tried sourcing new calipers but even if you sent all 4 of yours to BiggRed for reconditioning and refitted them yourself you'd still make a big saving.

[Xylonite]

My mechanical skills are non-existent when it comes to practice but am learning a lot. I have taken some photos of the rear caliper to send to Big Redd and will get some of the front. I am on a phone atm but will try to post here later. I have re-read everything on this post and will keep you updated. I have certainly learnt a lot about preventative maintenance! I don’t want to lose this car really so will see what Big Redd say and next week and go from there.

[griston64]

Originally Posted by Laird Scooby

What are your mechanical skills? If you are ok with replacing calipers yourself and using a Gunsons Easibleed, you could save a lot. You could get recoditioned calipers from https://www.biggred.co.uk/ probably for about half what you're being quoted, obviously you'll need DOT4 brake fluid as well (i'd suggest 5L to make sure you have enough.

I've not tried sourcing new calipers but even if you sent all 4 of yours to BiggRed for reconditioning and refitted them yourself you'd still make a big saving.

All four calipers refurbed at Big Redd will set you back £300

Buying four new calipers will probably set you back somewhere between £200 to £300. Your £450.00 cost isn't that bad really as your labour is a big cost on these and also possibly having to fabricate new brake pipes

[Laird Scooby]

Originally Posted by griston64

All four calipers refurbed at Big Redd will set you back £300

Buying four new calipers will probably set you back somewhere between £200 to £300. Your £450.00 cost isn't that bad really as your labour is a big cost on these and also possibly having to fabricate new brake pipes

Ouch! Their prices have shot up since i last checked then! Was about £96/pair for mine but i didn't need them in the end.

[griston64]

Originally Posted by Laird Scooby

Ouch! Their prices have shot up since i last checked then! Was about £96/pair for mine but i didn't need them in the end.

That's inflation for you Dave

[kiloran]

I think brakes are one of the easiest things to work on. At most £100 investment in tools.

Access is easy and generally they're pretty simple things - particularly on 7/940s. Even the rears are easy because the handbrake works on the disc, it's not built into the caliper.

I wouldn't claim to be that handy with the spanners but the first jobs I ever did were brake jobs - I've even done master cylinder replacements. Plenty of online tutorials for working on our brakes and the tools/skills apply to pretty much all disc brakes.

[Xylonite]

Originally Posted by griston64

All four calipers refurbed at Big Redd will set you back £300

Buying four new calipers will probably set you back somewhere between £200 to £300. Your £450.00 cost isn't that bad really as your labour is a big cost on these and also possibly having to fabricate new brake pipes

Just to be clear the labour costs are extra to the £450, the £450 is just for four refurbished Calipers, I was told you can’t buy new ones for my car (this would be my preferred option) therefore if Bigg Redd will do them for £300 then I am better for them to refurb them. I have a separate quote for Labour to fit four Calipers and that’s ok with me as I can’t do them myself.