First Brake Pad Replacement - Need Some Advice

[dja1980]

My brake-wear indicator came on for the first time last week. Even though it only came on once (didn’t relight the next time I drove the car), I would assume that I’m getting pretty close to being due for my first brake pad replacement. I’ve done brakes on my Hondas before, but this will be a first on my 02 Boxster S. Therefore, I have some questions before I take on the project…

Do most go with OEM pads, or are Textar, Akebono, Mintex, etc… that I’ve seen mentioned a better option?

Do the rotors typically need to be replaced (65,000 miles)? Mine are cross-drilled… is resurfacing an option?

What all needs to be purchased to do this job correctly… pads, rotors, pad sensors, retainer kits, brake cleaner, anti-squeal glue, brake grease?

I was going to order from Suncoast, but obviously not if I buy outside of OEM. Where is the best place to order from?

Thanks in advance... Dave

[Overdrive]

Hey, dja1980, I can answer at least some of your questions, but others on here who have had more quality time with their cars will hopefully chime in and help you out.

Regarding resurfacing rotors, the short answer as I understand it is "no", not even for base models. The rotors on a base model are supposed to be replaced every 3 sets of pads you go through. I'm unsure of whether you're the original owner or not, but if not, and you have any service records from prior to your ownership, hopefully you'll see if any brake work was done and when. I would imagine the rotors on an S would either likely follow a similar or possibly even shorter life cycle being cross-drilled. Again, hopefully someone else on here with more knowledge can clarify that.

As for ordering parts, I'd check out PelicanParts.com, as they've usually got a good deal on most parts compared to OEM costs, and can provide you with the OEM supplier's price for many OEM parts directly from the supplier without "Genuine PORSCHE" splattered all over it and the extra $$$ those words bring with them.

[Mark_T]

Some people say you should replace the caliper bolts if you remove the calipers, the thought being that they will not re-torque correctly a second time. You'll have to make up your own mind on that one.

I'd go with Pelican Parts myself. You can give them a call and they'll walk you through what you need, great tech support.

[thstone]

Do most go with OEM pads, or are Textar, Akebono, Mintex, etc… that I’ve seen mentioned a better option?
For normal street driving, the OEM pads are great - excellent stopping, no squeal, and good life.

Do the rotors typically need to be replaced (65,000 miles)? Mine are cross-drilled… is resurfacing an option?
Resurface the rotors if they are not worn past min spec, but with 65,000 miles you may want to replace them anyway. I always replace the rotors when I replace the pads but I'm conservative (and don't mind the extra cost) when it comes to brakes.

What all needs to be purchased to do this job correctly… pads, rotors, pad sensors, retainer kits, brake cleaner, anti-squeal glue, brake grease?
You'll need new pads, maybe rotors, re-use your sensors if they are ok, re-use the springs/pins, brake cleaner is good for the springs and pins and for cleaning the surface of new rotors, and get some anti-seize brake grease for the pins. You'll have to make your own decision regarding new caliper bolts and whether to use anti-squeal on the pads. Get a torque wrench. Don't forget to have a big clamp to push the brake piston back into the caliper. You'll also need something (coat hangar, bungee cord, or similar) to hold the brake caliper out of the way once its removed (only needed if you are replacing the rotors).

And don't forget a beer. Beer and brakes were made for each other.

[WhipE350]

I replaced the front rotors on mine at 52k, pads in front had never been changed by previous owner. Rear rotors are barely worn, left them alone and put on a TMD manufacturer (Mintex) on both front and back, they are inexpensive but very effective for daily driving. I have since removed them from the front because of dust and put on Akebono, now no dust. I still plan on removing the Mintex from the back too but haven't got around to it. The front were used for 300miles...I can ship then to you for shipping cost. Have the pads ever been replaced before? On my car (2000 S) the originals had dampers that require you pull the caliper off the rotor, if they have been changed before you can likely just replace the pads without pulling the caliper off. The brakes on these cars are very easy to work on, keep the old hardware and replace any sensors that have warn out. I bought an extra sensor but never needed it.

[DFW02S]

As to turning the rotors, they can take off a few thousandth's at a pass, so if they're still within spec when done .... why not?
If you have a guy who will take his time, it's worth turning. If he wants to do it fast in one pass, forget it.

[darkstormvx]

Maybe I goofed. I chose Textar. Suncoast. I replaced my pads a while ago and I get a squeal at stops half the time. Ill figure that out when it annoys me again

My OEM previous were Textar tho and they lasted a LONG time for daily driving. Around 80000 miles and the backs were still good.

Stay OEM. I remember back in the day when road and track tested the boxster it had the shortest stop distance in the world......Stock.

[ppbon]

Originally Posted by dja1980

Do most go with OEM pads, or are Textar, Akebono, Mintex, etc… that I’ve seen mentioned a better option?

Do the rotors typically need to be replaced (65,000 miles)? Mine are cross-drilled… is resurfacing an option?

What all needs to be purchased to do this job correctly… pads, rotors, pad sensors, retainer kits, brake cleaner, anti-squeal glue, brake grease?

I was going to order from Suncoast, but obviously not if I buy outside of OEM. Where is the best place to order from?

OEM pads are generally Textar, Mintex, Brembo or Pagid
The rotors need to be replaced when the outer lip is 1 mm or more (that means 2 mm of wear or more)
They should not be resurfaced because they will lose more cooling mass.
If your brake light is off right now you most likely will be able to reuse the sensors.

All you need are the pads and or rotors.
Everything else can be reused.

As stated on other posts, you have a high performance car. Buy high performance brake parts for it. OEM are the best all around.

Check these DIY instructions:
http://www.pedrosgarage.com/Site_3/Replace_Brake_Pads_%26_Rotors.html

Happy Boxstering,
Pedro

[johnsimion]

Originally Posted by ppbon

As stated on other posts, you have a high performance car. Buy high performance brake parts for it. OEM are the best all around.
Happy Boxstering,
Pedro

Depends on your use of the car, doesn't it?
I use my Cayman exclusively on the street. I replaced all my pads with ceramic pads about 500 miles ago. The reduction in brake dust is unbelievable and my wheels now look good and with cleanliness equivalent to a normal car. Nice to see beautiful silver wheels and colored badges in the center instead of the usual uniform gray-black coating of dust. For four years and 16,000 miles I put up with that crappy dust that made my wheels look like they needed a wash after one turn around the block. No more. These pads are silent, they cost the same as OEM pads, and if there is any difference in stopping power, I can't tell it. Yeah, and now I cut my hand about 1/4 as often due to not having to wash all the time.

[texomawaves]

ok, do NOT ever buy Autozone semi-metallic pads. They squeal like a stuck pig I bought Brembos from the local Porsche (Autonation) and also got my money back from Autozone. The Autozone rotors are good, but the pad composite material sucks with a capital SUCK! I didn't realize Porsche sold Brembo. Oh well, they work great and don't sqeal. Oh well, simple lessons learned

[dja1980]

I ended up going with the Textar / Balo Coated combo, and replaced the caliper bolts based on recommendations here... LOVE THEM! I also painted the calipers while I was at it...

[Perfectlap]

^nice job. is that G2 kit?

[dja1980]

Thanks... stock calipers from my S. I experimented with several different reds from Dupli-Color, but wasn't happy. I finally tried the VHT Real Red (SP731) and loved it. I suppose I should update my other threads with a pic...

http://986forum.com/forums/general-discussions/35226-pad-replacement-caliper-painting-questions.html

http://986forum.com/forums/general-discussions/35410-red-caliper-paint-%96-closest-original.html

[texomawaves]

I replaced my brakes from the DIY videos. It was the easiest brake job I've ever done, and I've done probably over 100 in my lifetime. I spent $280 at Autozone (Duralast). I'm just a regular city driver and don't think I need to spend more to get the "OEM" stuff. I've put many sets of the Autozone **************** and never had a problem. Cheers! :dance:

[texomawaves]

the $280 included BOTH pads and rotors.