Front brake pads at 58k miles: $756! - 986 Forum - The Community for Porsche Boxster & Cayman Owners

Perfectlap · 05-06-2010, 06:42 AM

We all learn that its cheaper to go to an independent Porsche specialist the hard way when first venturing into the brand, particularly if this is your first sports car.
An easy mistake to make because Porsches are uncommon cars and most corner mechanics will not touch (nor do they know how) your Boxster.

Granted, today its much much easier because we have the internets and everyone has an email address.

But you're not out of the woods yet if you car has close to 60K miles. You'll be entering the 'high mileage' side of Porsche ownership soon. Take this $400-$500 overpayment as an early warning to locate an Indy that is recommended by other Porsche owners. Then you can "average in" the cost of your luxury brake job with other fixes vs. sticking with the stealership. I just did major maintenace (clutch, flywheel, IMS upgrade, axle boots, 02 sensors, brake and coolant flush plus a new starter and alternator that both failed) and it ran about $6K through an Indy, the dealer would have charged about $13K--but he gives you free sandwiches, a shoe shine, dounuts, all the Diet cokes you can down and they wash your car! Most of that was from the clutch which required other fixes be made if you're going to go through the trouble of dropping the trans. Bottom line, put a away a couple of hundred every month money market account for major maintenace.

kavlono · 05-06-2010, 08:02 AM

to put everything in perspective, I paid over $50k for two weeks in rehab last year. So anything that keeps me from going back to Happytown is worth it. and this car helps me.

ARModen · 05-06-2010, 09:36 AM

2 mounting kits 135
4 damping panels 54

I don't even know what these are... I'm pretty sure it should have been just 4 shoes total, and associated wear indicators. I think the indicators are just on the outer pad, but I'd have to pull the wheel to check.

While LB is correct in saying your brakes are a vital part of your car, I would highly recommend you change them yourself. The more you work on your car the better you'll understand how it works, which makes you a better driver.

Disc brakes, especially on a Porsche are very easy to change once you see how they work. That's why people get worked up about dealer prices. I think it'd take <15 minutes per wheel to change a set, and all you need is the lug wrench, jack, and a flat head screw driver. Porsche has always been closely tied to it's race teams, so most items on the car that are meant to be changed regularly are designed for ease of maintenance. And there is a wealth of parts and knowledge available online.

Don't be scared of the cars price tag. Many jobs that the dealership will charge you an arm and a leg to do can be done at home and are very satisfying. All 4 brakes should take under 2 hours and cost ~$200. You just effectively made $650/hr for 2 hours. That's definitely worth a beer! And you'll have a good story to share at the next PCA meeting.

Two tips, racing brakes squeal a lot when they're cold, and make sure you pump your brakes a few times after you're done to get them reseated!

ekam · 05-07-2010, 04:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ARModen

All 4 brakes should take under 2 hours and cost ~$200. You just effectively made $650/hr for 2 hours. That's definitely worth a beer!

We went from saving $650 to making $650, that's $1300 difference we're talking about here guys!!!

jcb986 · 05-07-2010, 04:26 PM

I got a kick out of that. Don't sweat the brake job bill, you'll be more prepared for the next repair I'm guessing. BTW....I just did a complete brake job F & R and fluid flush, if you buy all the parts and sensors required your parts costs are going to ad up to a helluvalot more than what some of the above figures suggest.

Hold on to your pants bud. I just, back in late October, replaced all 4 rotors, new pads, and full brake line flush for less than $300. I have a S which calls for cross-drilled rotors. Nor, I did buy the mounting kits, new dampening panels, most techs never replace them and only if they are really bad. Also, the wear indicators where fine since I did the brake job before they engaged.

ChrisZang · 05-06-2010, 10:56 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kavlono

to put everything in perspective, I paid over $50k for two weeks in rehab last year. So anything that keeps me from going back to Happytown is worth it. and this car helps me.

good luck with that

jcb986 · 05-06-2010, 11:53 AM

to put everything in perspective, I paid over $50k for two weeks in rehab last year. So anything that keeps me from going back to Happytown is worth it. and this car helps me.

So you live in Washington, DC...............

23109VC · 05-06-2010, 06:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jcb986

to put everything in perspective, I paid over $50k for two weeks in rehab last year. So anything that keeps me from going back to Happytown is worth it. and this car helps me.

wow. that's a lot of $$ to spend for two weeks.

Was it on an exotic island full of young hot naked women that you could screw whenever you wanted??? At 25k / week it should have been.....

on a serious note, congrats on getting through rehab and my hope is that you don't need to go back. in my line of work, I see the people who don't make it to rehab and wind up spiralling into a life of pure self destruction... and yes a Boxster is excellent for one's mental well being..although if you can afford $50k for two weeks - you might be able to afford something much cooler than a Boxster....

Good luck!

coreseller · 05-07-2010, 01:36 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 23109VC

wow. that's a lot of $$ to spend for two weeks.

Was it on an exotic island full of young hot naked women that you could screw whenever you wanted??? At 25k / week it should have been.....

I got a kick out of that. Don't sweat the brake job bill, you'll be more prepared for the next repair I'm guessing. BTW....I just did a complete brake job F & R and fluid flush, if you buy all the parts and sensors required your parts costs are going to ad up to a helluvalot more than what some of the above figures suggest.

Brucelee · 05-07-2010, 03:58 AM

I had a great alignment and brake guy back in the day. The overall cost was usually about half that of the local Porsche. Personally, I am not capable of brake work but did save some dough by having this resource.

Perfectlap · 05-06-2010, 12:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kavlono

to put everything in perspective, I paid over $50k for two weeks in rehab last year. So anything that keeps me from going back to Happytown is worth it. and this car helps me.

Well don't start racing your Boxster because that will make a poor man out of any man with means.

p.s.
Try mountain biking. I just picked up a Motobecane from www.Bikesdirect.com for $1K. 15 years ago that same bike would have probably cost closer to $3K. Amazing value for a grand. It's a 29er which is a mountain bike with really big wheels so you just roll right over **************** and it really carries speed. I'm planning to buy a 200 Lumens Milion headlight ($90) and doing some good night time rides instead of just watching TV.