How Long Should Brake Pads/Rotors Last?

[Ad Sach]

Originally posted by spgribben007
Ad Sach,

Thanks for your input. I guess that leads to my next question about brake fluid. I was told when I got the car (@38,000) that I should flush the brake lines. Is that something that I should consider or is he going a little overboard with preventive maintenance and can different makes of brake fluid give you different results on the road?

At 38K and I suspect over 2 years you should replace your brake fluid. I believe Porsche recommends a yearly bleed and 2 year replacement. Time damages brake fluid because it absorbs water. Heat damages brake fluid. When your brakes get heated, the brake fluid can boil next to the rotors which leads to brake fade(less response per lb of pressure) and temporary sponginess(uneven, weak response). If you DE you should bleed at least every 2 track days.

I agree with donv on Ate Super Blue DOT 4 fluid. Brake fluid seems to be a tradeoff between hydroscopic (water absorbtion) and heat resistant properties. The Ate stuff is good hydroscopically and better than stock in resistance to heat. Because it is colored Blue and the stock fluid is tan it makes it very easy to tell when you are done replacing the old fluid with new fluid.

I chose to buy speed bleeders http://www.speedbleeder.com and bleed my brakes single handedly. Purists believe you get a better bleed with two people as the more distinctive 'crack' of opening the standard bleeder valves shakes loose extra air bubbles in the brake lines. I agree with them theoretically, but have personally experienced no problems with speed bleeders.

I found this link on bleeding brakes useful http://www.zeckhausen.com/bleeding_brakes.htm

Trygve has a lot of really good boxster specific brake information here http://www.bombaydigital.com/boxster/projects/brakes/