scott10s

So, I take my car in today for an oil change. The mechanic thinks I need new front brake pads and new rotors. The car has about 26K on it. I don't drive very aggressively. Does it seem too early for new pads and rotors? What do you think this should cost on an 06' C4S? Just askin' Thanks

Doc GTO

The first word that came to mind for a dealer brake job is "ouch!" Have them price it out for you but I'm sure we have sponsors on the board that can get you the parts for a lot cheaper. The rotors and pads on the front are a piece of cake to do.

Spiffyjiff

i know of which you speak, my friend. according to my dealer, they "wont change the pads without changing the rotor due to a liability issue" or something something yadda yadda. before i learned to do it on my own, i got stuck with their $1,300 bill because i was under the gun to get a track inspection.

i'm not sure if this is dealer specif or porsche in general but either way, it's ridiculous. ok fine, in some cases - cars with track time, especially - you may need to replace rotors at same time as pads, but to make it a hard and fast rule? absurd IMO.

racer

I would ask them for specs.. how much pad is left and rotor thickness. I wouldn't be suprised if pads are low (something has to stop you afterall) but I imagine the rotors have plenty of thickness left.

Then ask them to sell you some pads, and leave them in the car so you can install them on your own!

BMW is a big fan of this process as well (rotors and pads) claiming that they actually make the rotors and pads "softer" than they used to i order to enhance the brake feel characteristic. That said, as long as the rotors are still in spec, there isn't a real reason to change them out.

johnsjmc

It is not unusual to need new front brakes at 28000 mi. Stop and go city driving is hard on brakes.I have seen taxi cabs get new brakes in as little as 6 weeks. Legally if the rotors are within specs for thickness, runout and aren,t showing alot of cracks around the holes.then you can just change the pads. I would expect 2 sets of pads to a set of rotors ,but not always. Many shops prefer to change rotors as well to avoid comebacks because of squealing or a rough feel through the pedal. Ask for estimates in advance and discuss the warranty on the work if they only change the pads. Get a quote from at least 2 shops if you are not happy with the first .

Hella-Buggin'

What is the spec for rotors BTW?

Edgy01

Unfortunately, the elimination of asbestos from brake pads has led to an increase in metallic particles in those pads which leads to earlier wear of both pads and rotors. (I had never replaced a rotor in a 911 for years back before asbestos was banned). It's impossible to say when a car needs new rotors other than to measure them and see if they are out of spec. The more routine mileage I have been hearing lately is at around 50,000 miles both pads and rotors get replaced.

The level of effort to replace these things is relatively low. I can only assume that you're like many owners today--if you have to ask about it, then you probably haven't done it before. Nearly 40 years ago with my first Porsche my independent mechanic suggested that I replace my pads and rotors myself to save a significant amount of money. That's more the case today.

I'm firmly convinced that the joint development of the PCCBs was done as an answer to the excessive brake wear by conventional iron rotors. In time, I think the prices of those siliconized carbon fiber rotors will come down as they are more universally accepted

Kuhan

On our other car, I was told at 40k that the brake pads and rotors needed replacing. I asked how worn the rotors were and he said that they still have some life but he recommends replacing both pads and rotors at the same time. In the end, I only had him do the pads. Now at 55k I asked him to check the pads and rotors and he said both were fine! Funny how the rotors went from "almost need to be replaced" at 40k to "plently of life in them" at 55k.

utkinpol

look at suncoast shop -
http://www.suncoastparts.com/categor...rreraSbra.html
front rotors are $335, pads are $190, so get those parts and do this job yourself, only difficult part there is to take calipers off.
3 hours top.

with porsche dealer rates such simple jobs must be done DIY.

911FM

If it only the pads, just buy them online (suncoast) and install yourself. Very easy. There are DIY videos all over.

FM.

AC911

Isn't there a light that comes on when the brakes need attention? Well, anyways... my dealer told me the similar thing and I have 52K miles. Asking him more questions about it, he finally said something along the lines of "well, they will probably go another 7,500 to 10K miles before you they definitely need to be replaced".

I agree the best thing is 1) to measure and 2) DIY

cannon1000

correct. Dealer minimum specifications are higher and they require rotor/pad changes. TOok my 911TT to porsche specialist...they changed rotors / pads on the front since they were too low...but pads only on the rear. (he said next time they would need to change rotors).

Saved me big bucks.

scott10s

Thanks for the info everybody.

alexb76

I think everyone covered all the bases, just one other note, get a small flashlight and look at the pads yourself, it's very easy to see if you got enough pads left. For rotors, they need to be measure but again visually you should be able to see the condition.

racer

To the OP, not sure where you live, but if you are near an active PCA region, especially one with track events, they will likely hold "tech inspection" events. Its a great time to get your car up on a lift and at least take a look-see and learn more about it.