Changing pads & Rotors - Truly req'd to change vibration dampers?
 

OK so I have a new set of Pagid sport pads to be installed on new Zimmerman drilled rotors.

Was reviewing the procedure in the shop manuals just in case something was different than all the other brake jobs I've done.

Well there is one thing. The 986S procedure calls for new vibration dampeners all around. I called my local shop and they said that 4 are required at front and back. The front ones retail for $25 and the rears for $5 EACH.

So that is $120 bucks for little freaking pads. They'll discount them for me but nonetheless it is just insane to me to pay almost $100 for those on top of $700 for pads and rotors all around.

So are new ones absolutely necessary?

BTW, Zimmerman drilled rotors for the S are not directionally vaned. The holes are drilled like they are, but the internal vanes are radial and thus the aftermarket Zimmerman rotors are not side-specific like the OEM ones. Just a fun point.

Try it without them, if you change your mind, it's easy enough to pop new ones in.

Arent the Vibration dampeners the large metal peice of curved metal that hold the pads down into the caliper once the Metal pin is inserted into the caliper.

If your talking about the metal sheet that sticks to the back of the brake pad... I dont have any on my Boxster but cured my squeeks with anti-squel from AutoZone, Cost only 1 buck per packet, i bought 3 and that was enough to stop the squel of the brakes once i placed a pearl size amount of it on every part of the pad that comes into contact with the caliper... even where the caliper pistons touch the back of the pad.

No, there is only one of those per wheel.

Here's a source:

https://www.************************************************************/search/product.aspx?sid=d2ezpz45t5fqiynntunjcb45&makeid=8 00019@Porsche&modelid=1388358@BOXSTER%20S&year=200 1&cid=14@Brake%20%26%20Wheel%20Hub&gid=1740@Brake% 20Pad%20Shim

Thanks for the link Paul! Actually if you look even AA had them listed at 4 per car, but that part is just the front calipers. The rear have a different shape - more like a disc than the two bumps. And of course they don't show at AA. The shapes can be seen in the Workshop Manuals, in the Running Gear section page 46-10c. The manual specifically states "The pad backing plates (rear side of the brake pads) must not be greased." so I'd prefer the factory pads over the lube solution.

That looks correct for the front and if so it is by far cheaper than anything I could find. Now I just need to find the part number for the rear.

Not really freaked out about it myself, but my fiancee drives the car most of the time, so I'd prefer her car to stay nice and quiet and civilized. :rolleyes:

I still might just try them without new parts. The front pads are bad and need to be done soon, and the rotors are the originals from 01 with 55K on them. Just painted up the hats on the new ones, so I'm ready to go besides these stupid 'stickers' :eek:

Thanks!

I agree, I was saying "no" to CJ's question. BTW I did not replace mine when I installed Mintex red box pads, no issues.

Aren't those vibe dampers just for the "S"?

I don't see any dampeners called out in the non-S Workshop Manual section on pad changes, whereas there are specifically addressed in the S section.

The dampners are only used on the S. 2.5 and 2.7 don't have them.

You can reuse your old ones if you glue them in. Or, just buy new ones that have a sticky stuff on the back. Or, try the car without them. Guys who track an S don't use them because it takes longer to change the pads.

I've got a 2000S and I've been running without the dampeners for over a year now. No worries. My pads are the mintex red box.

Whew ! Had me scared there for a minute...

Did the brakes last year with no dampners ( 1999 ) :D

Nick

My 05 2.7 has the vibration dampers on the front calipers. I just reused them with no anti squeal and all has been well.

Remove them. They are a pain in the aXX when removing pads. Luckily I was doing pads and rotors so I had the calippers loose.

I did not install them on the new pads and have no squeel issues. MY01 986S.

Mark.