Time for brakes!!

[thstone]

Originally Posted by Timco

On my mobile but didn't see any spec for which type. Typically cross drilled are for S models. Pretty sure those are bigger than the base brakes?

OEM rotors are solid for the base and drilled for the S. In the aftermarket, you can find any type you like (solid, drilled, or slotted) for either model.

I use cheap "no name" rotors like you found on eBay for the Boxster and the 996 and have never had an issue. I even race them on the Boxster without issue (but they do get replaced every pad change on the racecar).

Pad selection is based on your driving. If regular street + some curves, the OEM replacement pads are perfectly fine. If you want less brake dust, go to a ceramic pad.

[jsceash]

+1 I'm am using ones like that, they work OK. Similar to Thstone on highway and track.

[Rob175]

Can I "trust" the wear indicator light (on the panel) to accuratly alert me when my brakes need to be replaced? Since I don't work on the car myself, i'm hesitant to just "open my checkbook" and take it to my indi shop and ask them to check them.....they already told me to expect to pay $800-$1000 for a 4 wheel brake job (w/ceramic pads, new rotors, labor).

If the wear sensor light can be trusted to light up when they need replacing I'll just wait. The brakes seem fine and I'm easy on the car so I'm hoping the sensors really work.

Any advice??

[Timco]

Originally Posted by Rob175

Can I "trust" the wear indicator light (on the panel) to accuratly alert me when my brakes need to be replaced? Since I don't work on the car myself, i'm hesitant to just "open my checkbook" and take it to my indi shop and ask them to check them.....they already told me to expect to pay $800-$1000 for a 4 wheel brake job (w/ceramic pads, new rotors, labor).

If the wear sensor light can be trusted to light up when they need replacing I'll just wait. The brakes seem fine and I'm easy on the car so I'm hoping the sensors really work.

Any advice??

The wear sensor is a wire stabbed into the pad. If it wears until the wire grounds out, it trips. So yes, the sensor is reliable, but once it trips, you have to buy a new one. Another $40 or so. It's like a 6-10 minute job to pull the tire and pull the pads. Unless rotors are too thin, just drop in pads.