GZ Boxster

Had our Boxster base/pdk for 6 months and almost 7000 miles (24k currently, no warranty. Brakes seemed okay when we bought it, but have gotten worse with our frequent trips to the NC/VA/TN mountains. Feels like the back has more vibration than the front since there’s not much shake in the wheel. I’ve had good luck with Powerstop on past trucks, VW’s and Audi’s.

Any recommendations? I’m okay with going back OEM or a different aftermarket if people had good service with a different brand. I’ll likely never be on a racetrack, but run hard on twisty roads a few times a month.

Kitc2246

Many, many threads on brakes. Check out Pelican Parts and YouTube DIY. The Pelican Parts How To's are for earlier Boxsters, but applicable to the 981 except having to remove the caliper to replace the front pads. FCP Euro is another unique 100% guarantee source for parts. Harbour Freight is another popular source of floor jacks, torque wrenches and specialty sockets,

Front pads normal wear faster. Spirited driving will engage PSM and the rear brakes. Torque vectoring is another nanny that will use the rear brakes, but not a common option on a base model. If you don't have the build sheet use vinanalytics to find your options.

Easy enough to jack up the rear, remove the wheel and check the pad thickness remembering the inside pad normally wears more. You can normally get two pads worth of wear from one rotor. The brake sensors will save you from metal on metal, but that light will spoil a weekend drive. You have enough pad to drive on, but not a weekend of spirited driving. If you want motivation for learning to DIY get a quote from your dealer for a full brake job.

Dave in Chicago

On a street car, I'm a fan of OEM pads / rotors when and as needed.

My 2 cents.

Kitc2246

OEM is never wrong, but can be easily equaled at a lower cost if you are diligent in what you buy. Porsche doesn't manufacture oil filters, brake rotors, pads, spark plugs, etc. You pay a premium for the box or Porsche painted on the oil filter, etc. if you want to buy OEM shop around: Pelican Parts is a good source while Suncoast and a few other Porsche dealers sell discounted parts, however shipping can negate the savings.

schell

If you want to stay close to OEM go with Textar, it is the brand that Porsche uses, the nice thing about Pelican is they carry OEM and the brand that Porsche uses that is sometimes less than 1/2 the price.

Kitc2246

Your biggest savings will be DIY labor.