BrooksBier

I just bought a 1987 Carrera and it is in very good shape. The brake pads are at roughly 50% both front and back. I was wondering when the sensors come on and if that is when they need to be replaced. In addition, I have read that this is not a bad DIY project. Any recommendations on brake pads? I know this is probably personal preference. Thank you.

Ed Hughes

I love Porterfield R4S compound. The sensor won't come on at 50% wear-not sure exactly when, but I'd guess somewhere closer to 30%.

It is simple project and should coincide with a fluid flush, full inspection of your calipers (seals intact?, and possibly new brake lines, if yours are original. Then, there is also the thought about doing wheel bearings, or inspection.

rusnak

^ great advice, nothing to add.

BrooksBier

Thanks a lot guys!

rfoxdvm

So you guys are liking Porterfield R4S better than Hawk HPS for the street? And what kind of fluid? What is a cheap source for the Porterfields?

Ed Hughes

Porterfield sells on their website. I think they are great for street and DE. Clean too.

Motul RBF600 fluid.

ivangene

I run the same fluid.. will be looking at those pads...

as for when the sensor light comes on...not long after the center cut in the pads disapears

rfoxdvm

Any sense in doing suspension bushings, shocks, or anything else (besides the advice about the wheel bearings) while doing a full brake job? I have yet to turn a wrench on the car yet, and I'm trying to plan out a bigger project so that I don't have to go back in there twice.

rusnak

Don't fix what ain't broke. Most valuable tech tip you'll get.

Wrenching ain't no big deal.. Don't make it so.

Don't get me wrong, I advocate safety and regular maintenance intervals. I'm saying don't cut short a service interval for no good reason.

Ed Hughes

Two completely different and independent projects. How long do you want to have the car layed up? I'd seperate the two and get some driving done, unless the suspension has an issue or is really far gone.

rfoxdvm

Nope, I'm driving the car once or twice a week currently, and the suspension feels fine. Brakes are heavily worn and in bad shape. But, I acquired the car with 102,000 miles and I'm sure the suspension components are original. As long as they are two completely different projects, as you say, I'm perfectly happy to wait. I like wrenching, but time is limited these days with a 1 year old child.

Thanks for all the advice. Here is my first project with the car, many of the parts are on their way... comments / criticism appreciated:

-remove aftermarket 17" wheels and spacers
-replace studs if they are not the right length
-new pads, new rotors, new brake lines, new fluid
-inspect calipers, rebuild if necessary
-inspect E-brake shoes (E-brake barely works), replace if necessary, otherwise just adjust screws
-inspect / replace wheel bearings??? didn't plan or research this until reading this thread
-add 16x6 and 16x7 Fuchs and new tires

Any glaring oversights or blunders?