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Porsche 997: Do My Calipers Need to Be Rebuilt?

This article discusses the various signs that can signal the need for a brake caliper rebuild.

By Arthur Guerrero - April 22, 2015

This article applies to the Porsche 997 (2005-2012).

Is your Porsche significantly aged, or does it have high mileage? Does it have low mileage but only due to you doing primarily track driving? If any of these cases describe the situation with your Porsche, then don't be too surprised to find out that you may need a brake caliper rebuild. This article goes over the common signs that signal the potential need of a brake caliper rebuild. They include dragging brakes, bad brake pad wear, leaking calipers, and piston/seal damage.

Are the Brakes Dragging?

A sign that you might need to rebuild your brake calipers is if your brakes are dragging. What this means is that, after releasing your brake pedal, the brake pads are still making contact with the rotors. Internally corroded calipers can cause dragging brakes. Corrosion behind the caliper piston seal can cause the seal to expand. This in turn doesn't allow the brake pads to fully retract from the rotor.

Figure 1. Porsche brake setup.

Are You Getting Bad Brake Pad Wear?

Another sign is if you're getting bad break pad wear (or out of the norm) even with new rotors or newly machined rotors. If this is the case, you will definitely want to have your brake calipers inspected to make sure every component within them is working properly.

Figure 2. Example of some bad brake pad wear.

Pro Tip

If you recently upgraded to track focused pads, don't be alarmed if they wear out quickly. For some brands that is perfectly normal.

Is Brake Fluid Leaking From the Caliper Piston Seals?

If brake fluid is leaking from your caliper piston seals, then you can be certain that those seals need replacing. For obvious reasons, brake fluid shouldn't be leaking from any part of your brake system. This is dangerous if left unsolved.

Figure 3. Seals that would be needed for a rebuilt.

Pro Tip

Be sure to replace your caliper dust boots when they begin to crack. They protect the pistons and inner seals from damage!

Are the Piston or Piston Seals Damaged?

If you have a damaged piston or piston seals you will need to rebuild your calipers or replace them. Everything should be in good working order. Even if you have cracked seals, it is a good idea to get them replaced before leaking occurs.

(Related Article: Porsche 997: How to Replace Brake Pads/Calipers/Rotors - Rennlist.com)

Figure 4. A look at an inner seal being removed.

Pro Tip

According to Porsche owners, doing a brake caliper rebuild is not too difficult of a job.

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