Review: PBR Deluxe Brake Pads

Also known as Axxis, Repco or, now, Pathetic Braking in Rain

This page last modified on December 8, 2003.

Volvo's stock brake pads are well known for excellent stopping power and good pedal modulation -- and plenty of brake dust! You'll be hard pressed to find any late model Volvo with OEM pads on it that doesn't have a healthy coating of black brake dust all over the front wheels. In the Fall of 2002, I decided to do something about this.

Unfortunately, there aren't many high-performance brake pad manufacturers who offer a product for my 1999 S70 T5. I was finally able to locate a set of PBR Deluxe pads at a local parts store. PBR brake pads are also sold under the brand names of Axxis or Repco. These pads are commonly touted within Volvo circles as the fix for Volvo's notorious brake dust problems. Even Volvo aftermarket supplier IPD has been pushing them since 1972. The usual claims for these pads include performance similar to or better than stock, squeal free operation and no dust!

So I tried them. After a trouble free installation, my initial evaluation was that these pads performed almost as well as the stock pads. After a brief bedding-in period, the difference in around town braking was barely perceptible. Hard braking from highway speeds seemed to take a few extra feet, but not in a manner that anyone would consider alarming. Most importantly, even several hundred miles later, there was still no sign of brake dust on the wheels. It seemed that I had found my solution.

And then it rained.

While driving on the highway during a moderate rain storm, I had no brakes upon initial application of the pedal. No brakes at all! It wasn't until I released the pedal and reapplied the brakes that they started to grab. This was repeatable throughout this trip, as long as it was raining. I was also able to replicate the problem during any subsequent highway trips in the rain.

I need to restate that this only happenned when driving in the rain, and only at highway speeds. Around town and in the rain -- no problem; at absurd speeds in the dry -- no problem. But in the rain, when enough mist can be kicked up onto the braking surfaces, it was as though someone had greased the rotors.

I've since asked about these pads on one of the Volvo web forums. (The entire thread is visible at http://www.brickboard.com/AWD/index.htm?id=571441.)

Mike H. said this:
"The first time it rained after the replacement, I noticed exactly what you did. The second time it rained, the same thing. The third time it rained, I had new factory pads, and the problem disappeared. My high speed braking returned to previous performance levels as well."
RJT said this:
"I have experienced the same rain issues as you with the PBR Deluxe pads. I live in the Atlanta area and have not had much experience with high speed rain driving until recently when we finally got some rain again. I thought the PBR's worked well until I had 2 experiences on the Interstate in the rain...very scary!"
I also found a number of comments on BMW mailing list archives:
Date: Mon, 27 Oct 1997 09:03:39 -0500
From: Mike Hess
Subject: Problem with RPB Deluxes, HELP!
All: About a month ago I installed a set of RPB/Repco Deluxe pads on my 94 740iL. The last couple of weeks have been pretty rainy here in the DC area and I find that I'm have a big problem with stopping in the rain. If I apply the brakes nothing happens for about 3 seconds. Then the pads start to grab. I didn't have this problem with the stock pads. Anyone else having this problem? I bedded/broke in the pads as per the instructions. This is very ungood!!! 3 seconds at highway speed is a considerable distance and in the DC area you never know when some putz is going to stop for no reason. What have I done wrong, or need to do to fix this! The only other thing I've noticed is that the pads squeel like a pig until things have warmed up a bit. HELP.

Date: Wed, 29 Oct 1997 21:22:25 -0800
From: BRIAN
Subject: Hess's PBR/Repco Deluxe Pad Complaints
I have a set of new front rotors and Repco Deluxe pads for my '91 750 sitting in a box in my garagage awaiting installation. Now I read Hess's complaints and I wonder if I bought the right pads. Anyone else having problems with cold pad squealing and failure to stop in the rain? Thanks, Brian 1991 750iL

Date: Thu, 30 Oct 1997 11:50:55 -0600 (CST)
From: Erik Ivarson
Subject: Re: Hess's PBR/Repco Deluxe Pad Complaints
Problems with cold pad squealing and failure to stop in the rain? Yup. Plan ahead for rain stops....
And another comment within a message about another brand of pad:
Date: Thu, 27 Jun 2002 15:48:10 EDT
From: Gcfuller@aol.com
Subject: Brake Pad Query
... I had PBR's on there, and these are better. They don't have the wierd PBR trait of not working AT ALL for a couple seconds of application in the rain or out of a car wash. The PBR's now reside on my big-braked 535is, and I'm careful about the rain thing.
Put it all together, and the conclusion is rather obvious: these pads are dangerous! PBR has developed the world's most water-soluable brake pad material, and the result is the world's most dangerous brake pads.

At this point, I'm still rather amazed that a company as reputable as IPD would stand behind this product the way that they do. Then again, this is the same company that once offered peach scented windshield washer fluid!

In summary, I have to tell you "don't buy into the hype." If you do, don't drive in the rain.



For further reading on alternative brake pads, please see my article EBC Green Stuff Brake Pads.


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