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Help! Question about Brake Service

2K views 15 replies 10 participants last post by  3G3T7I 
#1 · (Edited)
UPDATE: I've learned I do in fact need to replace the rotors with the brakes. For anyone living in the DC area, I recommend German Auto Group in Springfield. They gave me a rate about $500 lower than the competition (which was another independent shop, not a dealer).

So recently I took my 987.1 CS in to an independent, but fairly well-regarded Porsche shop. They informed me that, among other things, I needed the front brake pads replaced, which would run me around 1k. I said okay, let me get my tax return and I'll bring the car back.

Now, however, they're telling me I need the pads and rotors and sensors replaced. They said, and I quote, "it's recommended to replace the rotors with the pads since they wear at the same rate."

Is this true? Honestly I was planning on DIY-ing the front pads after I learned how (relatively) cheap and easy it would be to do so.

For reference, my car is a 2008 with 59k miles. Seems a bit early to be replacing rotors....

EDIT: I've attached some photos of the front rotor. Alloy wheel Wheel Rim Tire Spoke
Water Rim Automotive wheel system Wheel Metal
 
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#2 ·
You can check the rotor thickness with a micrometer. For S model the min thickness is 26mm. Or just check the edge- is there a noticeable lip? I generally get 2 sets of pads to a set of rotors and that is for track use. The rotors are tossed due to cracking not thickness. On a 987 pads are super easy to replace- unless you have problems with the dampers (see the recent thread on this). Rotors are not hard to replace just a little more involved. Hardest part for me is always re-installing the brake line bracket. If the sensors have not tripped and if you are careful removing them they can often be re-used. In my experience indies and dealers will always replace them and charge a marked up cost for them.
 
#6 · (Edited)
Cracking is not common with street use, the temps don't get nearly as high. Sorry if my point wasn't clear- I wear out 2 sets of pads and the rotor thickness is still within spec (> 26mm thickness). The first simple check is just look through the wheel spokes and feel the rotor edge- is there a noticeable lip there? Also is there pronounced grooving of the rotors? If there is a sizeable lip or they are badly grooved, it may be worthwhile to replace. If you can, post a pic and we may be able to judge better.

added photo of a worn out rotor. "Lip" is > 1mm, so total thickness is <26mm. Hope that helps
 

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#5 ·
At 59k, they're probably due for replacement. As zedcat said, if there is a noticeable "lip" at the outer edge of the rotor, then replace.
 
#7 ·
Apparently the prior owner of my 07 Base Cayman was pretty aggressive with the brakes and I had to replace both pads and rotors (at minimum thickness) when I got it at 40k miles. Total cost was about $750 in 2014 at my favorite indy.
 
#10 ·
Indeed looks like you have a lip on the edge. The original thickness is 28mm, so if you have just a 1mm lip on the outside you likely have the same on the inside and that would put you at the min spec.
 
#9 ·
Its my understanding that the pads and rotors do not necessarily need to be replaced at the same time. When my independent Porsche shop replaced my front pads, they indicated that the rotors were still serviceable. They machined the rotors to ensure that they were true.
 
#12 ·
Check the rotor thickness. FWIW Porsche recommends replacing the rotors at every second pad replacement. With 60K it may be time but I would verify if I was in your place. Do it yourself - it is not difficult, the are a lot of "how to" out there and you will save a ton of money.
 
#13 ·
New rotors are 28mm and the lower wear limit is 26mm, so you want to measure 27mm if you are only going to change pads to get 2:1. Otherwise you may run out of rotor before the second set of pads. At least that's my thinking.


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#14 ·
StopTech front pads are $90/pair through Pelican Parts and are fine for a daily driver. Zimmerman front discs cost $240/pair for the front. That's $330 plus a few hundred to install. If someone is saying $1k, just leave. You can also check your rotors yourself: If you see little thermal cracks radiating from the drilled holes, perhaps replace them. No cracks = no need for rotors. Just DIY the pads.

I wish I knew how: I go through 2 or 3 sets of Performance Friction racing pads ($335/pair) and two sets of rotors each year, from HPDE.
 
#15 ·
I wish I knew how: I go through 2 or 3 sets of Performance Friction racing pads ($335/pair) and two sets of rotors each year, from HPDE.
You're obviously braking too much! :)

Seriously, swapping out rotors and pads is easy. I would suggest that if you are changing pad compound to change the rotors. The friction material from the pads is transferred to the rotors during "bedding." If you change pad compound and keep the old rotors, the new compound can't adhere/transfer to the old rotor. This will cause brake "judder."
 
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