You should upgrade or use an alternative browser.
Brake Upgrade
- Thread starter Nick7602
- Start date
Jeff
Nick7602
New member
I have the Sebro & Textar setup on the car at the moment, however the brakes do not feel that sharp, discs and pads are about 3 months old now
Perhaps im doing something wrong? is this how they are? never owning a Porsche before I have nothing to compare with so I cant gauge what they should feel like, yes they stop me just not as quickly as I would like, are Porsches known for fantastic brakes??
Kind Regards
Nick
That set-up should be fine provided the components are the correct spec for your Cayman - I would say as good as original. Compared with many modern cars with a high degree of servo-assistance the brakes on your 987.1 do require a firm push, but they should retard the car aggressively if you hit them hard and I've had no braking problems on track with my 987.2. I'm still running with the original discs and front pads but have replaced the rear pads with Textar equivalents (they're what Porsche use as original fitment).
Before doing anything else I'd make sure that the brakes have been bled. There are two nipples on each caliper and most garages are too lazy to bleed both, so it would be as well to insist that this is done if you plan to have the brakes bled. The ABS unit needs to be activated via PIWIS or similar in order to perform a proper brake bleed procedure, so it's a specialist job. If that doesn't improve matters, it could be that your servo isn't functioning properly (maybe the vacuum pump isn't working?), or there could be a fault with the master cylinder.
Jeff
AndrewCS
Active member
`Sharp` is not a feeling I have ever had with any of my three Cayman`s, however … they have all `worked` superbly. All have been / are standard parts.
The pedal / system `feel` does change, it improves with continuous running - persistent use.
The Cayman R was / is noted for `excessive` initial pedal travel, sometimes interpreted as a lack of efficiency. My experience, including one notable emergency road event and an Anglesey track day was totally positive.
I doubt that you`re doing anything wrong, not sure how many and type of miles you`ve completed … it`s possibly a lack of seat time ? Have you `stood` on them at all / are they perhaps `glazed` ?
My 987.2 with standard brakes certainly never lacked for braking when needed, it had the ability to lock the front wheels at will (or would have locked if the ABS not cut in) but this needed a very firm and definite pressure, so that you would not do it without meaning to.
Somewhere it is safe to do so try really pushing hard on the brakes and see if you can get them to locking point.
One thing sometimes overlooked, check out your seating position - if your right leg needs to be fully extended to push the brake pedal hard then you won’t be able to get proper force on it.
Brakes are a bit dead to start off, but my other moderns are far more servo'd esp the Skodas.
The 987 brakes work when used and the harder you press the efficiency is impressive, but I do think you need to exercise them as a routine, touch of the Italian Service works a treat.
The corrosion on the inside of the discs creeps in and will kill the braking, the outer surfaces all look perfect but you are loosing the inside face surface, common on all modern cars.
I think the way your car brakes is very normal for the Boxster/Caymans.
https://ebcbrakes.com/articles/bedding-in/
It mentions “slight smoke” I opened the door to look and fell back in choking! As Andrew says above, your pads may be glazed in which case this bedding in process should cure this too.
Does anyone have experience in this area they’d like to share?
Just to come back on this, I agree with all the above comments about brake pedal sensitivity, etc. I would have thought that if the discs and pads were replaced 3 months ago they should have bedded-in nicely by now (mileage and usage-dependent of course) and I wouldn't have thought glazing would be an issue, but Gordon's recommendation is worth a try.
As noted, if the brakes are functioning correctly they should feel responsive from any speed, but if you're used to over-servo'd brakes on your daily drive a degree of mental adjustment will be required. Because my Cayman is only a fun car I find that I still need to be very careful on the first brake application when jumping-in after not having driven it for a week or so, and I've had the car for more than 10-years!
If you're using a reliable Porsche Independent it would be worth getting them to drive the car to give you a second opinion as they'll be used to driving similar cars.
Jeff
Nick7602
New member
I think I will try Gordons recommendation, but to be fair to the old girl the geometry was out ,and there has been a distinct lack of seat time, so lets see what the coming weeks bring now she back with me after some suspension work thats just been carried out, I have to say I love that comment from 911hillclimber "a touch of the Italian Service works a treat" your not wrong I guess.
Thank you guys for taking the time to read my thread and responding, its very much appreciated
Kind regards to all
Nick
Ran like a bag o nails, sounded very poor, Tick Tick, Rattle Rattle, bump bump.
Took it out to warm it through then gave it an 'Italian Service' for as long as I dared on West Midland's roads, about 5 miles, lots of wide open throttle in 2nd and 3rd, 6500 in 2nd etc.
Got home, running sweet as a nut.
Oh, and nice bright disc surfaces too!
Thinking of this thread while out in the car today and used the brakes. They certainly do the job, just press harder initially.
Do that in the wife's Skoda Citigo and the car will stand on it's nose; modern cars are designed for my wife.
![PCGB - an official Porsche Club](https://www.porscheclubgb.com/forum/stamp.jpg)
Posts made and opinions expressed are those of the individual forum members
Use of the Forum is subject to the Terms and Conditions
Disclaimer
The opinions expressed on this site are not necessarily those of the Club, who shall have no liability in respect of them or the accuracy of the content. The Club assumes no responsibility for any effects arising from errors or omissions.
Porsche Club Great Britain gives no warranties, guarantees or assurances and makes no representations or recommendations regarding any goods or services advertised on this site. It is the responsibility of visitors to satisfy themselves that goods and/or services supplied by any advertiser are bona fide and in no instance can the Porsche Club Great Britain be held responsible.
When responding to advertisements please ensure that you satisfy yourself of any applicable call charges on numbers not prefixed by usual "landline" STD Codes. Information can be obtained from the operator or the white pages. Before giving out ANY information regarding cars, or any other items for sale, please satisfy yourself that any potential purchaser is bona fide.
Directors of the Board of Porsche Club GB, Club Office Staff, Register Secretaries and Regional Organisers are often requested by Club members to provide information on matters connected with their cars and other matters referred to in the Club Rules. Such information, advice and assistance provided by such persons is given in good faith and is based on the personal experience and knowledge of the individual concerned.
Neither Porsche Club GB, nor any of the aforementioned, shall be under any liability in respect of any such information, advice or assistance given to members. Members are advised to consult qualified specialists for information, advice and assistance on matters connected with their cars at all times.