Front brake pads and rotor replacement - 986 Forum - The Community for Porsche Boxster & Cayman Owners

ryuujin · 04-02-2010, 08:44 PM

I'm about to replace the front brake pads on my 2001 boxster. However I have read at different sites that if the wear lip on the rotors is about 1mm then the rotors need to be replaced as well. Is this the case or can the rotors be machined flat? Also any suggestions as to any aftermarket pads or rotors as opposed to the OEM parts? I've found a local brake manufacturer here iin Australia that has drilled and slotted rotors for about $570 Australian (about $0.91 US Dollars). Any advice about the front brake set up is welcome.

Cloudsurfer · 04-03-2010, 12:42 PM

Mic them, and see if they fall under the min thickness for the rotor. If not, you can re-use, assuming they are true. Opinions differ as to whether to surface them or not, though most brake shops won't even try to turn drilled rotors.

jcb986 · 04-03-2010, 12:43 PM

You do not turn Porsche rotors at all. I purchased a set of cross drilled Balo's and Mintex pads for under $300 from Pellican Parts. This is a DYI project and is very easy. Also, flush your brakes with new fluid. My 2000 S had 68K on the clock and the rotors looked and felt good. But, when I stopped I had a kind of rubbing feel in the pedal. A set of 10 year rotors lose there smoothness and the rotors become a little brittle from all the friction generated by stopping. Now, there perfect, just a very smooth stop.

gschotland · 04-03-2010, 03:06 PM

+1 This is the way to go.

Quote:

Originally Posted by jcb986

You do not turn Porsche rotors at all. I purchased a set of cross drilled Balo's and Mintex pads for under $300 from Pellican Parts. This is a DYI project and is very easy. Also, flush your brakes with new fluid. My 2000 S had 68K on the clock and the rotors looked and felt good. But, when I stopped I had a kind of rubbing feel in the pedal. A set of 10 year rotors lose there smoothness and the rotors become a little brittle from all the friction generated by stopping. Now, there perfect, just a very smooth stop.

jhandy · 04-03-2010, 08:27 PM

new rotors are so inexpensive why would anyone reuse/ turn them? Look close and you will see little cracks connecting the holes. Is it really worth having bad brakes to save a few $$? At the very least, you will have to get new rotors before your new pads run out so now you have added more work.

RandallNeighbour · 04-04-2010, 05:47 AM

Don't forget to replace your caliper bolts when you swap out your rotors.

They must be swapped for new each time you remove them according to Porsche and quite a few others on this forum who've been turning wrenches for a long time.