keithfox

How should 996 C4S brakes feel ?

I recently got a low mileage 2004 C4S and the brakes feel mushy to me. I don't drive it a lot, as it is my wife's car.

I also have a low mileage (double the C4S) 1999 Boxster and the brakes feel much better to me. They start biting as soon as you press the pedal.

The C4S brakes do not start biting until you push the pedal quite far and before that they have this mushy feel.

Now I know the C4S has the 996 Turbos's brakes, so they should be fantastic.

Is there something wrong or is this normal ?

Brake fluid change ? Replace brake lines ?

Thanks

ivangene

air in the lines / or old fluid with condensation of water particulates....

flush the brake lines IMO - they should not feel mushy at all -

where are you located - ?

onefastviking

Turbo brakes are assisted and have a mushier feel.

ArneeA

try flushing the brake fluid AND clutch fluid.

Marlon

My 99' C4 Tip has the EXACT problem - bled twice with 22 psi - no change. Appointment with indy tomorrow at 0900 - will report results.

keithfox

Thanks for responses. Curious to see what Marlon finds out but your car is a c4 not c4s and the c4s brakes are from the turbo as onefastviking pointed out so it might be different. Ivanegene - I'm in Toronto and there are some very good independent garages here. Arnee - tip, so no clutch. Thanks all.

Dennis C

I haven't noticed this issue on my C4S. The brakes feel quite crisp and responsive.

SH || NC

Do you know when the last brake service was performed? Should be every 2 years per Porsche. If not, absolutely do the fluid flush. If the pads are low, do the whole service. GL

jyoteen

get a brake fluid flush done, and see if it that cures it (the flush should be done w/ the PST2 at the dealer as it'll replace all the fluid).

if it still feels mushy, maybe it's the master cylinder seal leaking just a touch.

Other issues could be a very, very slight leak of fluid (from maybe a caliper bleeder nipple...do you have to top off the brake fluid?). Secondary options are to replace the brake rubber hoses that go to the caliper, and finally, the actual brake pad compound.

Torontoworker

Speaking about brakes: what is the line on Zimmerman instead of OEM rotors. There is about a 250 dollar difference between a set of four for a 996 c2. Doesn't seem like a huge savings for risk/gain. Has anyone tried this brand and if so - how did they feel and wear?

medtech

+1

Marlon

If one could gently close the 4 rubbber brakes lines to the calipers, and then gently push the brake pedal - you should have a fairly firm pedal I would think? If the MC was bad, then would the pedal travel be 'too long'??? Or would that not be a valid troubleshooting technique?

keithfox

I'll update the thread when I get this looked at. kf

onefastviking

Zimmerman is an OEM supplier

onefastviking

I'm lucky in that I get to drive many Porsches and it's most noticeable when you are very familiar with both cars. Not a huge difference, but there is a difference.