Easy Brake Job on '03 S

[EJ-Fresno]

Did you reinstall the dampers or not? Do they make a real difference noise-wise?

[steved0x]

When I did mine (2000 S) I cleaned the front shims, but some "anti-squeal" on the backs, put them back in, and then installed the brake pads. On the backs my shims (a different style) were missing, and I did not get new ones (major $$$ and I was in a time crunch). They have been fine, and I have heard of folks not using the front shims either. And I think they base may not even come with shims.

Steve

[Coffinhunter]

Originally Posted by EJ-Fresno

Did you reinstall the dampers or not? Do they make a real difference noise-wise?

I left the dampers in, yes. That is the section where I said I had to separate the plate from the pads (I used a plastic paint scraper). I couldn't think of the name when I originally posted this.

[Porsche9]

Nice work and explanation of this DIY job.

Did you check the the disc to ensure they are still within spec to last through your next set of pads?

[Coffinhunter]

Originally Posted by Porsche9

Nice work and explanation of this DIY job.

Did you check the the disc to ensure they are still within spec to last through your next set of pads?

I did not check the thickness with anything other than feel and eyes. This is the first set of pads that the car has gone through and they looked good. When I was young and stupid (16), I ate through a set of rotors so bad they almost fell apart when the brake guy did them. My dad was PISSED. Since then I keep a pretty good eye on them and feel for wear pretty regularly.

[JayG]

Originally Posted by Coffinhunter

I did not check the thickness with anything other than feel and eyes. This is the first set of pads that the car has gone through and they looked good. When I was young and stupid (16), I ate through a set of rotors so bad they almost fell apart when the brake guy did them. My dad was PISSED. Since then I keep a pretty good eye on them and feel for wear pretty regularly.

You muct have some really well calibrated fingers and eyes. Getting a micrometer or calipers to measure the rotors is probably a good idea as it is only 2 mm between new and worn out

You can get a decent digital caliper from harbor freight for around $10-$15 when they are on sale which is nearly always.

I put a washer on both sides of the rotor as I had a little lip and then subtracted the washers thickness to get the correct measurement. In my case, 65k miles and just under 1mm of wear IIRC

[Coffinhunter]

Originally Posted by JayG

You muct have some really well calibrated fingers and eyes. Getting a micrometer or calipers to measure the rotors is probably a good idea as it is only 2 mm between new and worn out

You can get a decent digital caliper from harbor freight for around $10-$15 when they are on sale which is nearly always.

I put a washer on both sides of the rotor as I had a little lip and then subtracted the washers thickness to get the correct measurement. In my case, 65k miles and just under 1mm of wear IIRC

No I don't, lol. I will get one of those. I have 80,000 miles on the car, mostly highway as it is my DD, so I wasn't overly concerned. There was very little lip on the rotors, and this was the first brake change on the car. I figured next brake job would need rotors too. Now you have me all panicked.

[SJEFFB986]

One step I would have performed. While everything is disassembled spray all with brake cleaner!! Amazing what a difference it makes...

[JayG]

Originally Posted by Coffinhunter

No I don't, lol. I will get one of those. I have 80,000 miles on the car, mostly highway as it is my DD, so I wasn't overly concerned. There was very little lip on the rotors, and this was the first brake change on the car. I figured next brake job would need rotors too. Now you have me all panicked.

Didn't want to panic you, you are probably fine, its just swag measurements for things like brakes and clearances don't cut it

Get them measured and worst case, you will need to replace them.

[jdlmodelt]

Originally Posted by Coffinhunter

No I don't, lol. I will get one of those. I have 80,000 miles on the car, mostly highway as it is my DD, so I wasn't overly concerned. There was very little lip on the rotors, and this was the first brake change on the car. I figured next brake job would need rotors too. Now you have me all panicked.

I did have to replace my rotors around 80k. I put the caliper on them and they were just under the allotted thickness. Don't panic and remember those wear numbers have some safety built into them. It's a good idea to replace if they are under the minimum spec but I wouldn't stop driving mine just because of that.
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