Volvo XC90 Front Brake Pad Kit PN0696

Get Volvo XC90 Front Brake Pad Kit PN0696 in Kenya

When it comes to safety on the road, few components are as vital as your brakes. And at the heart of every reliable braking system is the front brake pad kit — the unsung hero that works hard to stop your vehicle safely, smoothly, and on time. 💪🛞

Whether you’re cruising on the highway, navigating city traffic, or making a sudden emergency stop, your front brake pads are constantly at work, converting momentum into friction and ensuring your vehicle responds when it matters most.

Let’s take a deep dive into what the front brake pad kit is, how it works, why it’s essential, and when it should be replaced.

🧩 What Is a Front Brake Pad Kit?

A Front Brake Pad Kit consists of all the components needed to replace the brake pads on the front axle of a vehicle. This typically includes:

🔧 Brake Pads – The friction material that presses against the brake disc (rotor) to slow the vehicle
🧰 Shim Plates – Metal plates that reduce vibration and noise
🔩 Retaining Clips & Pins – Hardware that holds the pads in place
🛡️ Anti-Rattle Springs – Helps eliminate pad movement and squeal
🧴 Grease or Lubricant Packs – To reduce wear and squeaking during installation

Together, these parts ensure a proper, quiet, and safe brake pad installation. The front pads are especially critical because up to 70% of braking force is handled by the front brakes. That’s why maintaining them is crucial to safe driving. 🚦🔒

🔧 How Do Brake Pads Work?

When you press the brake pedal, brake fluid travels through the lines and activates the calipers, which then press the brake pads against the rotating brake discs (rotors). The friction between the pads and the discs slows the rotation of the wheels, bringing your vehicle to a controlled stop. 🛑⚙️

The front brake pads endure high pressure, heat, and friction, especially under heavy braking or during high-speed stops. That’s why they’re made of specialized materials like:

• Ceramic – Smooth, quiet, and low-dust performance

• Semi-metallic – High durability and heat resistance

• Organic – Quieter and softer, often used in lighter vehicles

Each type has its benefits depending on your driving style, vehicle weight, and braking needs.

🏎️ Why the Front Pads Matter More

Because most of the vehicle’s weight shifts forward during braking, front pads handle the majority of the braking load. They are also responsible for the stability and responsiveness of your car in critical moments — such as:

✔️ Emergency stops
✔️ Downhill braking
✔️ Sudden turns
✔️ Wet or slippery roads

When your front brake pads are worn out or improperly installed, your vehicle becomes harder to control, increasing the risk of accidents and damage to the brake system. ❌⚠️

🔍 Signs Your Front Brake Pads Need Replacement

Brake pads don’t last forever. They wear down over time due to the intense friction they generate. Here are some warning signs it’s time to replace them:

🚨 Squealing or squeaking noise when braking
🚨 Grinding sound – metal-on-metal contact
🚨 Longer stopping distance
🚨 Brake warning light on the dashboard
🚨 Pulling to one side when braking
🚨 Visible thin pads – less than 3mm remaining
🚨 Vibration in the steering wheel or brake pedal

If you experience any of these, don’t delay. Timely replacement of the front brake pad kit can save you from expensive repairs and ensure you and your passengers stay safe. 🛡️🧑‍🔧

🛠️ What’s Included in a Quality Brake Pad Kit?

A premium front brake pad kit comes with more than just pads. Here’s what you should look for:

🟢 High-quality pads – Preferably ceramic or semi-metallic with good heat resistance
🟢 Hardware kit – All necessary clips, shims, and pins for a smooth fit
🟢 Noise-dampening technology – To reduce squeals and vibrations
🟢 Grease/lube pack – For smoother operation and reduced wear
🟢 Compatibility with ABS and EBD systems – Especially for modern vehicles

Quality kits ensure less noise, longer pad life, smoother braking, and lower dust buildup. 🌟🧼

🔧 Replacing the Front Brake Pads – What to Expect

Here’s what a standard replacement service involves:

1. Lifting the vehicle and removing the wheels

2. Unbolting the brake caliper to access the pads

3. Removing the old pads and inspecting the rotor

4. Cleaning the caliper and bracket

5. Installing new shims, clips, and brake pads

6. Lubricating contact points to avoid squeaks

7. Reinstalling and testing the system

🛠️ Pro Tip: Always replace both front pads at the same time to maintain balanced braking performance.

🛑 Dangers of Delayed Brake Pad Replacement

Ignoring worn front brake pads can lead to:

🔴 Damaged rotors – Metal-on-metal contact will scratch or warp them
🔴 Reduced braking power – Increases risk in emergencies
🔴 Uneven tyre wear – Poor braking affects alignment and suspension
🔴 Higher repair costs – Replacing a full brake system is expensive
🔴 Failing safety inspections – Not roadworthy

Replacing your front brake pads before they fail is not just maintenance—it’s prevention. 🧠🔐

💡 Maintenance Tips for Brake Pads

✔️ Check them every 10,000–15,000 km
✔️ Replace them between 30,000–60,000 km, depending on driving conditions
✔️ Avoid aggressive driving and hard braking
✔️ Use only brake cleaner – never oil or grease on pads or rotors
✔️ Ensure your mechanic uses torque specs when reinstalling

Good habits mean longer pad life and safer driving. 🛣️✅

🔄 Genuine vs Aftermarket – What’s Best?

You’ll find both OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) and aftermarket brake pad kits. Here’s how they stack up:

⚠️ Avoid ultra-cheap pads—they often compromise braking performance, safety, and pad life.

🛍️ Ready to Upgrade or Replace Your Front Brake Pad Kit?

At Onestop Garage & Auto Spares, we supply top-quality front brake pad kits designed to fit a wide range of vehicles. Whether you’re after genuine OEM, ceramic performance pads, or reliable aftermarket options, we’ve got you covered. 🧰🔧

Our kits are:

✔️ Carefully selected for compatibility
✔️ Easy to install (DIY-friendly)
✔️ Trusted by mechanics across Kenya
✔️ Available for countrywide delivery

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