Brake Pad Advice - road use only

[Mikebarry202]

hi all,

I've searched around the forum threads but haven't found anything regarding brake pads. I'd be grateful for your thoughts, advice and views on the optimum brake pads for road use on a 2005 997 C2S please?

My car brakes ok...... But not exactly "inspiring." For instance, my beemer is a bog standard 320d and it inspires much more confidence!!

I've had the car since May this year after selling on my fab 944S2. All calipers work fine, discs and pads in good nick with loads of life left, pads operate both sides of all discs, brake fluid renewed within previous 2 years (but I might pressure bleed new fluid through at the weekend to eliminate any potential air), and the usual amount of brake dust front and rear.

I'm thinking a brake fluid refresh and new pads might help to improve my confidence in the brakes - hence the question.

Thanks in advance,

 

[Rodney Naghar]

What makes you think your brakes aren't great? it's probably a case of 'they all do that sir' because perhaps you're used to the over servoed BMW with its all or nothing brakes, as opposed to the Porsche's more progressive brake feel?

 

[Lancerlot]

I used the forum search facility quoting "brake pads" and this returned 90 references. So I pretty sure you should be able to find some useful info in these! [8|]
Regards,

Clive.

 

[Mikebarry202]

What makes you think your brakes aren't great? it's probably a case of 'they all do that sir' because perhaps you're used to the over servoed BMW with its all or nothing brakes, as opposed to the Porsche's more progressive brake feel?

Very good point. In reality this is the only 997 I've driven so direct comparison I can't make, however I have driven a number of 996 and several 991 at PEC Silverstone (OK, PCCB on those) and they just felt sharper.

Don't get me wrong, I'm not entirely dissatisfied, merely thinking as per my initial question "what pads are available that users have experience of to sharpen (ie reduce the progressive feel) up the brakes, for road use?"

The prompt for me to submit this question is twofold:

1. Lack of forum information (I'll expand in my next post).

2. Last night I browsed various areas of the Register pages; within the 997 buyers guide I read...

"Which one should I get?
Like all modern Porsches you should not need to feel intimidated by the mainstream 997 models. All are easy to drive and live with. You will notice the immediate differences from a premium saloon in the car's on the road liveliness, handling confidence and massively powerful brakes. These common good features make even the base Carrera a very attractive package, especially when it has the key desirable factory options."

 

[Mikebarry202]

I used the forum search facility quoting "brake pads" and this returned 90 references. So I pretty sure you should be able to find some useful info in these! [8|]
Regards,

Clive.

Clive, I filtered my search to the 997 pages, and having run a search across all forums I of course get 90 hits as you refer.

There is 1 hit for 997s that I saw, relating to track pads, submitted in 2007.

I actually would have thought this was a reasonably common question that had been answered and "stickied" in the FAQ or technical section. Obviously not!

 

[guitarplayer63]

I thought when I got my 997 five years ago the brakes weren't all that compared to the beemer I had at that time, but I realised as I drove faster particularly in Germany on the Autobahn that overservo'd brakes would have gotten me into a whole lot more trouble with the car probably ending up sideways. The 911 brakes are actually fantastic because there's real feel in them. Try absolutely standing (and I mean so your foot is trying to get through the bulkhead) on the brakes and they are brilliant and you will stop quickly, but let you keep some modicum of control over the car.

 

[Lancerlot]

Clive, I filtered my search to the 997 pages, and having run a search across all forums I of course get 90 hits as you refer.
There is 1 hit for 997s that I saw, relating to track pads, submitted in 2007.
I actually would have thought this was a reasonably common question that had been answered and "stickied" in the FAQ or technical section. Obviously not!

Mike,
There's actually been quite a lot on replacement pad material in the Register forum over the years, but maybe it's been disguised under other headings. Alan (tscaptain) has quite a lot of information on pads and perhaps he'll contribute to this thread shortly.

It may be useful to have your current braking system thoroughly checked and overhauled if necessary as performance does tend to drop off over time. It's important to get the best out of the standard system first of all. In this way you get the full benefit of any future mods rather than just trying to make up for system deficiencies.
Regards,
Clive

 

[Mikebarry202]

Thanks guitarplayer63, a perspective I've not thought of. I'm itching to get the car out of the garage now ??

Clive, I fully agree with your comments and hopefully Alan will contribute as well? I spent 26 years in the REME as a qualified mechanic and I've inspected all my brake components that function correctly and are serviceable, though your advice is sound about checking rather than trying to mask deficiencies - something that is all too easy to ignore!

 

[tscaptain]

While the OEM pads do the business I never found them that inspiring, especially the initial bite. After a bit of trial and error I settled for Pagid RS 14s. (Black) They do squeal a bit at low speed occasionally, but not always for some reason, but a price I don't mind paying for the excellent response you get. ( I tried RS 29s along the way but they were to squeally for the road!) They certainly aren't cheap either but, as with tyres, why compromise? Do a google search and have a read up on them. Even the PC techie who fitted them was impressed when we went out for a test drive.
If you do go down the Pagid route there is a proper bedding in procedure to follow, btw.

 

[jackinbox99]

I thought exactly the same about the 997 brakes when I went from my 123d coupe to my 997 turbo.

However, after a few months of driving it, im used to the 997 brakes now. They just need a bit more pressure. Only problem now is, when I get in my wifes car, i nearly end up going through the windscreen the first time I touch the brakes on her car!

 

[Rodney Naghar]

I thought exactly the same about the 997 brakes when I went from my 123d coupe to my 997 turbo.

However, after a few months of driving it, im used to the 997 brakes now. They just need a bit more pressure. Only problem now is, when I get in my wifes car, i nearly end up going through the windscreen the first time I touch the brakes on her car!

It's all relative. BMW to 997 makes the BMW seem over servoed, to me the 997 needs serious getting used to from the 996 which was even more gradual. I'd often see posts on the 996 forum (especially from BMW drivers) saying how disappointing they found the brakes.

Try a 991 or 981, the brakes are becoming much more BMW like (ie mainstream) in feel.

 

[domswinfield]

I went the Pagid race/Road on the turbo and they are very good but they make so much noise! So much to the point people flinch when i brake in traffic at low speed.
I will go back to the Porsche originals as they are very good and I feel have ample stopping power for road use. Good luck!

 

[Bear911]

Porsche 911 servos and brakes are progressive - drive one for three days then drive another car, I bet you find the brakes feel almost on or off !! with little between either

Had two Audi TT's and they had clinical brakes for want of a better word.