Conflicting info on 302 upgrade

[Sweep]

I read somewhere that I'd need longer flexi hoses when I switch to the 302 discs, but I've just done a bit of digging and someone over on Volvoforums said it's questionable whether you actually need them due to it only pushing the caliper out 11mm. Can anyone confirm this?
Also, what disc/pad combo are you running on your 302's?

Ben.

[claymore]

I never changed my pipes when I had 302's

[p fandango]

Volvo didnt do 2 different length hoses for no reason, for the sake of £30 to get the longer hoses I think it's a wise investment when it comes to brakes

[oblark]

Same here, I used the normal brake pipes with 302`s

[claymore]

If you use your original pipes, it's a very easy upgrade, no need to even bleed the brakes, (even though you've had a fiddle with them)

[MoleT-5R]

As above, I fitted mine without changing hoses, or even disconnect them, just hung them up whilst I changed the brackets and then fitted them onto the new brackets and popped the pads in.......simples

[Sweep]

If you use your original pipes, it's a very easy upgrade, no need to even bleed the brakes, (even though you've had a fiddle with them)

That would certainly be one less thing to think about! As long as it's safe to do so, I'll likely go down the braided route in the future.

Would you recommend standard Volvo gear, or is it worth spending the extra on fancy stuff?

[Saaamon]

I bought two front flexi's from pfs labelled suitable for 302s and they were no different in length to what was already on the car.. (To add they did need changing)

[claymore]

That would certainly be one less thing to think about! As long as it's safe to do so, I'll likely go down the braided route in the future.

Would you recommend standard Volvo gear, or is it worth spending the extra on fancy stuff?

I would change to braided in the future, but at least you don't need to at the moment.

[Sweep]

I would change to braided in the future, but at least you don't need to at the moment.

My bad, I meant genuine Volvo discs and pads!

I've read that you can still get Plod spec stuff?

[claymore]

Yep, it's hard to beat genuine Volvo parts.

[Henk]

got my pads and caliper adapters from the Swansea Volvo dealer, forgot what their name is. come well recommended on here, just order over the phone.

went for drilled / grooved discs becuase. decided on te upgrade after rear-ending a Focus back in Jan

Didn't change the hoses though, no problems at all. Sure braided lines are better (they resist expansion a lot more, giving a more solid brake feel)

[M-R-P]

Believe it or not... For those who have thought about the Focus ST (Facelift P2) brake upgrade.. you'll still be able to use your old hoses. The connection on the caliper is much closer than it is on the standard calipers.

[RollingThunder]

I always fit Volvo discs and Police spec pads - the Volvo discs seem to resist warping more than aftermarket stuff, even Brembo discs, which surprised me. The Police spec pads are excellent, they've become a must have for me and are one of the first things I buy. They are a bit dusty though - you'll notice the difference after a week of driving with them lol.

I also fit Goodridge braided hoses - they're a tad longer than OEM and make the brake pedal feel firmer, although it makes no difference to braking ability of the car of course.

[M-R-P]

I had plod pads and brembos on mine when I had the 305mm setup and they were good but the pads outlasted the disks by about 50%. I've got Mintex pads on the 336mm kit, don't know what disks but I was told they were "cheapies" so I'm not expecting much. However, they've lasted well and are only starting to show a bit of a lip. I have my eye on drilled and grooved disks when I change them

[oblark]

I had plod pads and brembos on mine when I had the 305mm setup and they were good but the pads outlasted the disks by about 50%. I've got Mintex pads on the 336mm kit, don't know what disks but I was told they were "cheapies" so I'm not expecting much. However, they've lasted well and are only starting to show a bit of a lip. I have my eye on drilled and grooved disks when I change them

They`ll chatter like ££££.

And before anyone say drilled vented discs don`t crack think again.

[Sweep]

They`ll chatter like ££££.

And before anyone say drilled vented discs don`t crack think again.

Nice!
I've seen it before, I'd only ever go with grooved. You don't see many with dimples any more, are they still available?

[claymore]

They`ll chatter like ££££.

And before anyone say drilled vented discs don`t crack think again.

I hope mine don't crack

[Ettienne]

I had plod pads and brembos on mine when I had the 305mm setup and they were good but the pads outlasted the disks by about 50%. I've got Mintex pads on the 336mm kit, don't know what disks but I was told they were "cheapies" so I'm not expecting much. However, they've lasted well and are only starting to show a bit of a lip. I have my eye on drilled and grooved disks when I change them

Ebay cheapies £60 delivered iirc

[AshDVS]

The lines for 280mm brakes have a different part number to the lines for 302mm brakes.

That said, I've seen cars with 280mm brakes (both very late V70s) that had lines for 302mm brakes fitted from new.

If you're moving from 280mm brakes to the 302mm brakes the lines are original, it's well worth getting new lines for the 302mm setup.
Bleeding brakes isnt a difficult task, after all and worth the inconvenience.