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.