Brake Pad Questions
 

Hi Guys,
Looking at replacing brake pads on my 2001 non-s Boxster, I don't track my Boxster and the only time I drive fast is the occasional spirited drive or when I am seriously late(hardly ever). Do any of you have any experience with the Satisfied Pro Perform OEM Pads? Are they really compareable to the standard pads that come on Boxsters? I have read on other post that the Hawk HPS pads are pretty good but my concern is this, on the Tire Rack Website the Hawk HPS's have this note

"Note: Front brake pads. Note: Does not have cut out for wear sensor."

Should I be concerned about this? Also, is changing the brake pads a job I can leave up to my local grease monkey(there are no other porsche shops in town other than the dealership) or do I need to spend the extra bucks and bring it to the dealership?

Lets see, I love the Hawk HPS pads for my street thing. They are the only pads I will use in my 911. they work well. As for the pad sensor, you don't need it but as a mechanic and someone who has to follow the rules of please don't sue me, you should use them.
As for it being a tough job, on a scale of 1-10 it ranks around a .5/ Very simple and very DIY friendly if you don't mind getting a little dirty. Make sure to check your rotors, dust seals and anyother thing in the system while you are there.
I am a little overkillish but on my cars a new set of pads means a new set of rotors, and new fluid.
All simple jobs, and an independant shop can handle it. Just make sure the shop has a good per and don't be afraid to ask to talk to the tech. We like customer input and questions. It makes us feel superior. ;)

Hey Joshua6060,

No experience with either of those brake pads, but for your application, IMHO, there should not be too much of a difference other than the amount of brake dust that you would have to clean and the amount of money you are willing to spend.

As for the cutout of the wear sensor,...nothing to worry about. I have heard of folks just tying them off....as for me, all you have to do is align the old brake pad to the new one, mark it off, and use a very small drill bit to drill the hole (approx. 3/4-1 inch in depth) and you should be good to go.

Also, it's a really good DIY if you're interested! Here's a very good link for that:
http://www.bombaydigital.com/boxster/projects/brakes/change_pads/

Lastly, I just put together a list of our forum members' suggested mechanics / specialists / tech. In Louisiana, (although, I don't know if these are close by), the available ones from the list:

http://986forum.com/forums/boxster-general-discussions/15369-porsche-mechanic-specialist-listing.html#post135837

"LOUISIANA
(1) Lindsey Automotive in Kenner
(2) Greff Motors in Metairie on Airline Hwy near Clearview. "


Good luck with your decision! :cheers:

HPS pads are no less dusty than OEM but the dust is harder to clean off. There have been a few good threads discussing pad manufacturers on this board. Look around a little.

can any of you guys give me any feedback on these brake pads found on tirerack.com

Satisfied Pro Perform OEM Pads

i don't know of anyone who has tried the Satisfied OEM pads, so i'd avoid them. go with the Hawk HPS. if you're concerned about the wear sensor, i just drill the hole in my pads and insert the wear sensors just like any pad that already had the holes. piece of cake.

If you don't track the car, stick with OEM, you won't go wrong. They're proven and most likely the least expensive. Don't pay for more than you'll need for street use, you'll never realize the return. All pads dust-up, that's inherent in how they work. Aftermarket pads bring the risks of squealing and being harder on your rotors. If you need better pads, get em. But if you don't, don't pay a premuim for a name brand promising improvements you won't use or don't need.

I run with Pagid Blue's...i love those pads, they perform extremely good at high speed braking and same at just regular street speeds....but for just street use they are little too much i would think

reasonable advice. i personally didn't like the torque curves w/ OEM pads on the base boxster. they required more pedal effort than i thought it should have taken to stop the car. with the S brakes, this isn't such an issue.

on another note, keep in mind that the 'Satisfied OEM' pads are NOT OEM pads. OEM are Textar or Brembo (both are really Textar) up front and Textar, Galfer or Brembo in back.

thanks for the info on the Textar, Galfer and Brembo's, does anyone have any idea who has the best prices on any of these pads?

i like ebsracing.com. the textar are a bit pricey. personally, if i wanted an OEM type pad at a better price, i'd go with the Pagid or PBR metal master. they'll save you $35 over the textar. i've used the mintex (cheapest); they're not bad, but i personally don't prefer them. the PBR metal master are really quite good.

although all pads make dust, my personal experience is that the OEM pads make the most. i think the PBR metal masters make the least dust on an OEM feel pad.

Paragon Products out of TX has some of the best pricing for brake parts - http://www.********************************************************************.com/SearchResults.asp .

That's where I bought mine after some fairly thorough searching. I went with OEM, but they offer many alternatives too. Good outfit to do biz with, good pricing, prompt shipment. One of many good suppliers I'm sure, but I've had several positive experiences with them over the years

Replace them yourself. Porsche is one of the easiest brake jobs in the world.

My personal favorite pads are Mintex Red Box. Quiet, good grip, low heat fade and don't chew the rotors up. :cheers: