robmug

Hi

I recently had new front discs and pads fitted by a (I thought) reputable Porsche specialist.

Having collected the car, I notice that the front discs don't have the grey painted centres which I believe genuine parts do. When I queried this, I was told "it came in a Porsche box, so as far as I'm concerned they are genuine" in addition, he added "I import mine directly from Germany - some come with grey paint, some don't"

I paid in the region of £65 vat for each disc, so I want genuine parts!

Can anyone clarify the situation for me please? Have I paid good money for non-genuine parts?

Picture of the disc:
<img src="http://boards.rennlist.com/upload/frontdisc.jpg" alt=" - " />

Bill Gregory

Rob,

If you got them from a Porsche dealer, they should be 'genuine' Porsche parts. If you got them through an independant Porsche garage, they more than likely will be OEM, meaning they are manufactured by one of the same companys (Zimmermann, ATE, Sebro, etc) that manufacture rotors for Porsche (and cost less than Porsche rotors). FWIW, the OEM rotors I've seen have not come with gray paint - I just get some heat-proof spray paint, mask it off and spray them myself. If you got them from an independant Porsche garage, you might call your nearest dealer and ask what they charge for Porsche rotors. Functionally, the OEM rotors should work, barring the unsightly rust that will form on the unpainted hub.

scupper

I just received brand new Zimmerman rotors that I ordered from Zims - no paint on the hats. Bill, what color paint do you use - black, gray, - hmmmmm, red?

By the way, is your garage sufficiently warm yet for you to have installed the new RS steering fork - we are still waiting for a report out on its performance. - Thanks, Bill.

Chuck
93 C2

robmug

Bill, Chuck - thanks for your contributions. Quite reassuring, and I think I'll paint them myself.

Bill Gregory

</font><blockquote><font size="1" face="Verdana,Tahoma,Helvetica">quote:</font><hr /><font size="2" face="Verdana,Tahoma,Helvetica"><strong>what color paint do you use - black, gray, - hmmmmm, red?

By the way, is your garage sufficiently warm yet for you to have installed the new RS steering fork - we are still waiting for a report out on its performance.</strong></font><hr /></blockquote><font size="2" face="Verdana,Tahoma,Helvetica">I use gray to paint the rotors.

Yes, the garage has thankfully warmed up with the weather. However, I haven't installed the cup forks yet. I just got a set of ERP rear monoballs to replace the rubber in the rear swing arms, which will eliminate the Weissach axle effect. This is more cost effective than replacing the rear arms with the Carrera RS arms, which have harder rubber than stock. So I figure I'll install 'em at the same time then get it realigned. That will come, though, after I install the roll cage in June. The forks and monoballs will probably get installed in July.

Advert: DAS roll bar comes out next weekend if anyone is interested in buying it. Pics available.

Bill Verburg

I painted mine with Wurth black
<img src="http://www.pelicanparts.com/MotorCity/wmv/BB_wheelwello2.JPG" alt=" - " />

Greg_L

Rob, i've just bought a set of front disks from a main dealer (chiswick). They cost £73.74 +vat each. They had the grey paint and little 'made in germany' stickers too.

I heard that some of the aftermarket disks are turned rather than forged thus reducing their life and ability to withstand warping under more serious temps.
Does anyone know if there's any truth in this ?

Bill Gregory

</font><blockquote><font size="1" face="Verdana,Tahoma,Helvetica">quote:</font><hr /><font size="2" face="Verdana,Tahoma,Helvetica"><strong>I heard that some of the aftermarket disks are turned rather than forged thus reducing their life and ability to withstand warping under more serious temps.
Does anyone know if there's any truth in this ?</strong></font><hr /></blockquote><font size="2" face="Verdana,Tahoma,Helvetica">I'm not a brake or manufacturing engineer, however, given that our 964 rotors are all 'vaned' rotors, I'm not sure how one could turn them vs casting/forging them from cast iron.

Greg_L

Do you think the price difference is just the porsche name then or are they perhaps finished differently?

I was recommended by a specialist to get originals from main dealer, he thought it was a false economy getting OEM as they tended not to last as long in his experience.

cheers, Greg

Bill Gregory

Well, the lasting longer is an interesting comment. I've heard anectodtal stories that some of the Porsche rotors seem to last longer than OEM. Haven't heard that consistently about any particular OEM or specific Porsche rotor, however.

robmug

Thanks everyone. I've had a chat with the Porsche specialist who supplied & fitted the discs, who have offered to replace them for grey painted ones (ie original OPC) "if that would make me feel better" - so I said yes. No fixed date yet though...

Christer

robmug

I am not sure I would be too happy about the 'if it makes you feel better' comment, but maybe I am just a sensitive soul - but I am afraid I do take my clienthood very seriously.

At least you are happy now right?

robmug

</font><blockquote><font size="1" face="Verdana,Tahoma,Helvetica">quote:</font><hr /><font size="2" face="Verdana,Tahoma,Helvetica">Originally posted by Christer:
<strong>robmug

I am not sure I would be too happy about the 'if it makes you feel better' comment, but maybe I am just a sensitive soul - but I am afraid I do take my clienthood very seriously.

At least you are happy now right?</strong></font><hr /></blockquote><font size="2" face="Verdana,Tahoma,Helvetica">Christer - you're right, I'm very unhappy about the 'feel better' comment. Once they have changed the discs, they will be getting no more business from me. I'm going to be using PCT in Birmingham instead (even though they are moving to Coventry next week).

PCT were great when I popped in the other day. Very friendly, had time to chat about my car and made me feel very welcome. Even took it out for a test drive when I mentioned a slight irritation and wanted a second opinion. I think most other places would have sent me away and booked the car in.

Gary C2 UK

Hi Rob,

saw your thread on the discs. The ones you had fitted are not Genuine discs. As Greg said the genuine ones are painted in a "primer" coulour grey with the "made in Germany" label attached.

Regarding the people who fitted them, a company in Halesowen per chance?? If so they are full of s**t and chancers with their prices.

Shop around at OPC's and ask for a discount. When I upgraded to Big Reds I obviously needed disc too! My 965 or 3.6T discs cost me from retail of approx £100+vat just £65+vat!! If you don't ask you don't get.

Anyway regarding the guys who fitted them for you, if that's their attitude then I'd certain vote with my feet, or is that wheels! I hope I guessed right on the company?

If so, they set my geometry on my 944T a few years ago with brand-new SO2's which then wore out on the inner edges within 4ki miles.

Gary

robmug

Gary - wrong company. Don't know if I should say really (not been on Rennlist long...)