As auto enthusiasts, you understand the thrill of enhancing your vehicle’s performance. However, it’s not all about speed and engine power. A crucial aspect often overlooked is the braking system. If you’ve upped your Volvo S60 R-Design’s speed capabilities, it’s time to think about a brake upgrade. One of the most effective ways is to fit bigger brake calipers. This guide provides comprehensive information on how to fit bigger brake calipers for enhanced stopping power.
Why upgrade to bigger brake calipers?
Before diving into the installation process, it’s essential to understand why you may need to consider this upgrade. Bigger calipers, often part of a big brake kit, can substantially enhance your car’s braking performance.
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The brake caliper plays a significant role in the braking system. It houses the brake pads, and when you apply the brake, it pushes the pads against the rotor to create the friction needed to stop the car. When it comes to braking performance, size does matter. Bigger calipers have more pushing power, meaning they can apply more force to the rotors. This results in quicker, more efficient stopping.
Apart from their performance benefits, bigger calipers can also improve the aesthetic appeal of your car. They often come in high-profile colours and engraved brand logos, adding a sporty touch to your vehicle.
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Selecting the right brake caliper upgrade kit
The market is flooded with various brake upgrade kits. Choosing the right one for your Volvo S60 R-Design can sometimes feel overwhelming. It’s essential to consider factors such as the kit’s contents, compatibility with your vehicle, and the brand’s reputation in the industry.
A standard brake upgrade kit will include bigger calipers, performance brake pads, and larger rotors. Some kits may also include stainless steel braided brake lines for enhanced durability.
Front brake kits are generally more popular as the front brakes do most of the stopping. However, if you’ve significantly boosted your car’s performance or often drive in hilly areas, you might want to consider a rear brake kit as well.
When it comes to brands, you may want to consider those known for their high-quality, performance-oriented products, such as Brembo, Wilwood, and AP Racing.
Preparing for the upgrade
Before you start the upgrade process, make sure you have all the necessary tools. You’ll need a jack, lug wrench, socket set, brake cleaner, and of course, the brake kit, including the big calipers, rotors, and pads.
Start by parking your car on a flat surface and using the jack to raise the wheel you’re working on. Remove the wheel using the lug wrench. Once the wheel is off, you’ll have clear access to the brakes.
Use the socket set to remove the existing caliper, pads, and rotor. Make sure to take this opportunity to clean the braking area thoroughly using a brake cleaner. This will ensure a clean slate for your new components and optimise their performance.
Installing the new brake components
Once the old components are off and the brake area is clean, you’re ready to install the new ones. Start with the rotor. Align it with the wheel hub and secure it in place.
Next, take the new brake caliper and slide it over the rotor. Ensure the caliper bracket aligns with the mounting points on the wheel hub. Use the bolts from the upgrade kit to secure the caliper in place.
The final step is to install the new performance brake pads. Open the caliper and slot the brake pads in. Ensure they’re correctly aligned with the rotor. Once the pads are in place, close the caliper, securing the pads.
Repeat this process for all the other wheels.
Ensuring proper calibration
After the installation is complete, it’s imperative to calibrate your new braking system correctly. This involves bedding in the pads and calipers to ensure they work together efficiently.
This process involves repeatedly applying the brakes at varying speeds to allow the pads and calipers to adapt to each other. Start slow, gradually increasing the speed at which you apply the brakes. Avoid coming to a complete stop during this process, as it may cause the pads to imprint on the rotors, leading to uneven braking.
Remember, upgrading your brakes is not just about performance; it’s also about safety. Ensure the installation is done correctly, pay attention to the instructions provided with the brake kit, and always double-check your work before hitting the road. Your reward will be a Volvo S60 R-Design with not just enhanced stopping power but also improved drivability and sportier looks.
The Role of Brake Lines and Master Cylinder in Your Brake Upgrade
In your quest for enhanced stopping power, aside from the big brake kit components like calipers, pads, and rotors, two elements must not be overlooked: the brake lines and the master cylinder.
Brake lines are the conduits through which brake fluid travels from the master cylinder to the brake calipers. Typically made from steel, rubber, or a combination of both, they play a vital role in ensuring consistent brake pressure and thereby, the overall braking performance.
Upgrading to stainless steel brake lines is an excellent idea as they are more resistant to expansion under pressure and offer a more responsive brake pedal feel. Some brake kits come with these lines, but if yours doesn’t, it’s worth considering purchasing them separately.
Now, let’s talk about the master cylinder. It is the heart of your vehicle’s braking system, controlling the amount of brake fluid sent through the brake lines to the calipers.
In some cases, especially with an upgrade to a big brake kit, the existing master cylinder might not generate enough hydraulic pressure to optimally engage the larger calipers. If your brake pedal feels soft or spongy after the upgrade, you may need to upgrade your master cylinder as well.
It’s a more complex task that might require professional assistance. Nonetheless, it’s a step worth considering for the sake of both performance and safety.
The Balancing Act: Front Brake vs. Rear Brake Upgrade
Upgrading your front brake is the typical move for most auto enthusiasts, and for good reasons. The front calipers and rotors do the heavy lifting when it comes to stopping your car, accounting for up to 70% of the braking power. This is because, during braking, a significant amount of the car’s weight transfers to the front wheels, increasing the load on the front brakes.
However, this doesn’t mean you should ignore the rear brakes. A balanced braking system where both front and rear brakes are upgraded can provide superior stopping power and improved stability, particularly under hard braking.
Upgraded rear calipers and rotors can also help reduce nose-dive during braking, offer better heat dissipation, and improve the overall balance of the vehicle. Additionally, many high-performance rear brake kits come with drilled slotted rotors for better cooling and pad compound options for street track applications.
In conclusion, fitting bigger brake calipers on your Volvo S60 R-Design is more than just a performance improvement—it’s a commitment to safety, precision, and passion for auto performance. It imposes a balancing act between the front and rear brake system, and requires additional attention to elements like brake lines and the master cylinder.
Remember to always follow the instructions that come with your brake kit, ensure proper calibration after installation, and never hesitate to consult a professional if you encounter any challenges. Your reward will not just be greater stopping power but also a safer, smoother and more thrilling driving experience.
