Tidybuoy

Gotta Question...I'm doing my brakes in the next couple of weeks and I'm wondering if it is necessary to replace the wear sensors every time. And while I'm asking, do I need to replace the pad spring clips as well. I just ordered rotors, pads, and fluid and I'm hoping I can reuse everything else.

Also, I read on this board that you can put Cayman R pads on a Cayman S and that is a bit of an upgrade. My question here is: will original pad spring clips fit if I use the Cayman R pads (assuming they are a little larger but I really don't know the difference. The pads I ordered from Suncoast were "Sport Front Pads" and Rear Regular Pads for Cayman R.

Thanks,

Vern

PorscheAddict

If you cook through them, yes. I and many others removed them and zip tie the sensor somewhere in that area (the bracket that connects to the hub is a good place). Keep in mind that if you do that you have to watch your pad level or you could run too low. No need to replace spring clips regularly.

Tidybuoy

Thanks. In my past, I've had sensors fall apart and other times they seem ok. I just wanted to know what standard practice and hopefully keep my costs down a bit.

PorscheAddict

As long as you haven't burn into them yet and the new pads are OEM or something else with a spot for the sensor, should be fine to swap over with needle nose pliers.

zedcat

Is your car a 987.1 or 987.2? On the spring clips, the 987.1 had 2 different versions. You might need the newer shorter springs for the R pads. If you have a 987.2, the springs should be the correct size.

I've reused both hardware and sensors. Just need to be a bit careful with the sensors. That said I like to have new hardware on hand. If there is a lot of corrosion it's best to replace. Also the little cotter springs can get lost.

If removing calipers to replace rotors I usually have a set of caliper bolts on hand too. Porsche says to replace them each time but I know some who reuse them too.

Tidybuoy

My car is a 987.1

Does this mean I should order spring clips for the Cayman R or 987.2 Cayman?

zedcat

I'd suggest pull one of the front wheels and see which spring you currently have. Here's the Suncoast info on them: https://www.suncoastparts.com/produc...cFrontKit.html

One other thought on 987 brakes- you probably have the anti squeal shims in place- a thin metal backing with alu "pucks" that fit inside the caliper pistons. In some climates these can get corroded and stuck. If they come out easily, you can clean and refit them, or leave them out. My first pad replacement, they freed up easily and I just left them off. ;

Tidybuoy

Thanks all! I just read on Suncoast that the retaining springs are either long (996 version) or short (997 version). I'll measure tonight to be sure.

bernb6

As mentioned above, the sensors can be difficult to get out without breaking them, especially if they've been cooked a bit. I wouldn't hesitate to get non-oem sensors for less than half the price, e.g. Sebro's I think are about $10 each.
Bern

Warehouse33.net

I always replace them, they're just cheap. I have tried to re-use them in the past and they have just crumbled on me.


-Jason

bkrantz

What about the vibration dampeners?

Dave in Chicago

I reuse the existing vibration dampers. Street cars should keep 'em, IMHO. Can re-glue them if you're ambitious, but mine worked fine after reinstalled just as is.

Sensors on street cars are handy and recommended. Old ones fall apart upon removal, as noted above, and will just make you angry.

Good luck!

Dave

'05 987S
'92 968 SP3
'88 944 NA (gone)

Dave in Chicago

And I believe the pads specifically match the spring clips. For example, i kept my orig spring clips (996 style on my '05 Boxster S) and replaced pads with the same 996 version. Had I wished to go 997 pad, I believe I would have had to replace the spring clips with the specific 997 version. Hope this makes sense.

Dave

Warehouse33.net

You should be able to re-use those.

-Jason

Tom R.

You have a Porsche, not a cheap car. Don't be a cheapskate and skimp on something as cheap as a sensor. You should be ashamed. Bull****! I read those posts and laugh. I change my tires from summer to winter and vice versa. I check the wear two times a year doing that, and every time I put the track tires on. The sensors on my DD 1 series were twisted together and zip tied for two years, 3 sets of pads. Then I found a set on eBay for $11. Yes I put inferior parts on my exotic. Ha. They are zip tied and should last a very long time.