Tom Mat

I have owned a 77 Targa for about 5 years and have done only minor work on it. I would like to replace the brake pads and upgrade the rotors this spring. I would like to do this job myself. I am willing to buy the necessary tools and brake line bleeding devices to help with this job. I would like some advice on do's and don't's for this job. What advice can you provide me on beginning this project.

Thanks,

Tom

Bill Gregory

Tom,

You can do this. An overview of brake bleeding is <a href="http://tech.rennlist.com/911/pdf/brake_bleeding.pdf" target="_blank">here.</a> Information on brake fluid is <a href="http://tech.rennlist.com/911/pdf/brakefluidbg.PDF" target="_blank">here.</a> And here's some info on brake pads <a href="http://tech.rennlist.com/911/pdf/brake_pads.pdf" target="_blank">here.</a> An article on brake pad replacement is <a href="http://www.pelicanparts.com/techarticles/911_brake_pads/911_brake_pads.htm" target="_blank">here.</a> An article on removing your brake calipers, which is needed to replace the rotors is <a href="http://www.pelicanparts.com/techarticles/911_caliper_rebuild/911_caliper_rebuild.htm" target="_blank">here.</a> If you're careful, you can remove the calipers, and hang them or support them in such a way that you don't have to separate the brake line from them, saving you rebleeding the system (unless, of course, it needs bleeding in any event).

I'd probably get a Motive brake bleeder, $45, and 2 cans of ATE Typ 200 brake fluid (OG Racing has it on sale for $6.95/can, which is the lowest price I've seen). You only need one can to flush the system, but just-in-case I like to have some spare brake fluid on hand. For brake pads, you have a world of choices. If street-only usage stock or OEM brake pads are fine, although you can get other pads that are a little more aggressive or one's that throw less black dust. Rotors, stock works fine for street. However, I really like the ATE Powerdisc (you can see them <a href="http://www.contiteves-am.com/english/indexmit.htm?produkte/disc.htm" target="_blank">here</a>) as the slotting in them helps to keep gasses and water away from the face of the pads and rotor. They are not much more expensive than stock rotors. The last set I got was from Paragon Products in TX.

Matt Chamblin

I fyou don't already have it get this book: <a href="http://www.101projects.com/" target="_blank">http://www.101projects.com/</a>

It will help you with all kinds of projects like this.

Bill W.

Replacing brake pads and rotors and bleeding the brakes is a relatively easy task. Thats not to say it can't be screwed up though. Since the brake system is so critical to your safety, if this is your first time tackling this task I would recommend you contact your local PCA club and see if they're having a tech session anytime soon or maybe a tech advisor who would be willing to supervise your work. I don't know what club covers your area but the PCA Zone 1 listing is at <a href="http://www.pca.org/regions/zone_1.html" target="_blank">http://www.pca.org/regions/zone_1.html</a> . Our region has several Tech Sessions per year in addition to several members that provide tech assistance.

If you've had the car for 5 years hopefully you've had the brake fluid flushed a couple times, it's recommended service every 2 years, I do it a little more frequently. If it hasn't been done I STRONGLY sugguest you follow Bill G.'s link to the brake bleeder and and do it all at the same time (pads, rotors(?) & fluid flush).

Another book I would recommend is the Bentley Service Manual, I don't know that they have one for the '77 but I'm going to guess they do. Do a Google search on "Bentley Porsche Service Manual". I paid apx. $80 for mine that covers the '84 - '89 models.

Good luck and happy wrenching,
Bill W.

Bill Gregory

[quote]<strong>Another book I would recommend is the Bentley Service Manual, I don't know that they have one for the '77 </strong><hr></blockquote>

Unfortunately, the other Bentley Porsche workshop manual picks up for the SC's 1978-1983. However, with a '77, I'd get that. Beyond the 2.7L engine, there are many more similarities than differences. Doing a search on <a href="http://www.allbookstores.com" target="_blank">www.allbookstores.com,</a> the lowest price shows as $76 through buy.com - believe they have free shipping too.

Tom Mat

Thanks for all of your advice. I am excited to move into this first mechanical project on my car. Owning a Porsche on its own is great, but understanding the mechanics of the car and working on it will add so much more to the enjoyment of the car.

Tom