Brake disc/pad combination

[wills_aj]

Hi all,
Thanks to the techy articles I have successfully done a few jobs to my C4 Cab already and am now getting ready to change the front discs and pads. Its not actually doing it that I would like opinions on, its the materials themselves. Currently my brakes, although working well dont have much initial "bite". Would this improve with new replacement Porsche parts ? or if not are there better options ? I am never likely to do track days (again - far too old) and am easy going on brakes anyway, so I was wondering if there was a recommended softer pad/grooved disc combo thats tried and tested. Your comments as always will be much appreciated.
Regards
Wills

 

[kasspa]

Hi Wills,

Re the "not much bite".... I did find it took a while to 'trust' the brakes on my C4S as you dont get that initial front nose dipping on applying the brakes like you do on your 'everyday' production cars......

So probably nothing to do with what you have fitted now unless disc surfaces are beginning to fall apart due to pitting & corrosion!

hth

Paul

 

[ashley]

Agree with Paul's comments, they do take a short period of adjustment coming from cars such as BMW, audi and the like. The porsche brakes are very progressive and are superb. The ceramics on my turbo S work better with a little heat in them, I'm always aware I need to excercise caution at the first roundabout i come to after leaving home.

They're not dangerous just different to the over servo'd cars

 

[Black80XSA]

The brakes are very progressive in response, and very little happens int he first part of the pedal travel (even has a somewhat 'spongey' feel too).

You should try to check the condition of your current pads n discs though, particularly the hard to see inner faces of the rear discs (which are normally the first ones to pit with heavy rust). You may also find some fine cracks on the front discs eminating from the cross drilled holes.

If the car has been used with plenty of hard use then the holes in the discs can fill with pad compound, reducing their effectiveness (can be cleaned out with a suitably sized twist drill bit).

Brake fluid - when was it last changed ? - should be every 2 years although 3 years seems to be the norm for lots of other manufacturers. Brake fluid absorbs moisture and becomes less effective with time (also signifcant moisture ingress may lead to premature failure of the ABS components).


If your discs are in need of replacement then genuine Porsche parts and 'Sebro' branded items have the zinc primer coating on the central hub, and Zimmermann discs are unpainted. There are plenty of pad manufacturers, Textar are supposedly the same as Porsche pads, just not in a Porsche branded box. Eurocarparts and other suppliers normally have a range of options.

 

[wills_aj]

Thanks guys. Thats put my mind at rest. The pads are worn, I guess about another 1000mls will be all I would trust, and the discs are grooved (especially at the back). This is the first "real" Porsche I've had and like I said the brakes work well but havent got the initial sharp bite that my 968's (or my wifes Golf Gti), had. I'm happy to use the standard set up after hearing your comments. Thanks.
Regards
Wills

 

[devans]

Ive moved away from sebro and feel my new pagid breaks and discs are better. I know these are prsche recommended but as to who owns what!!!!
good luck