Brake Refresh on the Carrera

thsupernge · thsupernge's Garage

Ok believe it or not I did search for this ahead of time and found bits but not what I was after...

I will be refreshing the brakes on my 88 all the way-round. I plan on swapping out the cores for refreshed calipers. That is easy. My main question is with the sensors. There are two types. Are these just plug-and-play? When I go with the new type do I have to have matching pads? I think I do.

Also redoing flex brake lines, rotors etc. Any recommendations on brands there?

Appreciate the help/advice in advance.

hcoles · 06-02-2021, 01:55 PM

I looked at getting pads to go along with the sensors that came with the car and gave up. The pad choices are limited. If you go to the "new" sensors then I think the pads are again limited and the instructions (type of glue) to put in the new sensors seems to have some controversy. I choose to forget trying to have the sensors working and "shorted" the sensor loop near the brake master cylinder.

hcoles · 06-02-2021, 01:59 PM

Forgot to mention....
I replaced the flex hoses with the OEM type.
Be very careful - the fittings on the end of the flex hoses may be difficult to get free. Use a fitting wrench and heat. I used my MAP gas torch. You have been warned. :-)
Another tip - get something to push the brake pedal down while you change the flex hoses. This will limit the fluid loss.

isby · isby's Garage

I second the warning given above with regard to the flex hoses. My '84 spent much of its life in Canada, and the fittings on the flex hoses were heavily corroded. I tried PB Blaster on them, but it didn't help. Before I twisted the steel lines, I wisely decided to let a pro handle the flex hose replacement (as much as it pained me to take it in). However, I did buy the hoses from our host, which saved me a couple of bucks.

thsupernge · thsupernge's Garage

Glue huh, oh no. Ok great advice. I have twisted a few brakes lines in my day so that is great advice. Did you guys do rotors too? What did you settle on?

isby · isby's Garage

Yes, I did the the rotors as well. Nothing fancy -- ZIMMERMANN COAT Z. They were relatively inexpensive and seem to be just fine.

isby · isby's Garage

BTW, my pad wear sensors were already "shorted" and so I left them "as is." Given how much I drive the car, the new pads I put in will probably last the rest of my life.

hcoles · 06-02-2021, 04:59 PM

The rotors have been on my car so long I forget where I got them or what they are. They seem to wear pretty well. I'm using Porterfield R4s pads - they make a racket to begin with and now are quiet. I have one piston/caliper that is hanging up just a bit. It is better with new hoses but not perfect. The runout kicks the pads back so it is not really an issue so far. I'm pretty sure I've replaced the seals in all the calipers so the only thing left is the hardware. Our host will not find and then sell the aftermarket hardware for the front calipers so right now I'm still using the old hardware. The rear hardware is available as aftermarket from our host.

thsupernge · thsupernge's Garage

Awesome guys, much appreciated.

albi · 06-02-2021, 08:18 PM

What is the relationship between brake pads and "new sensors". What are new sensors?

dg567 · 06-02-2021, 10:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by albi

What is the relationship between brake pads and "new sensors". What are new sensors?

Carreras have wear pad sensors for the front and rear.

Locker537 · 06-03-2021, 06:36 AM

I would not bother re-connecting the sensors. I'd rather buy the pads I want.

I've been happy with Goodridge braided flexible lines.

thsupernge · thsupernge's Garage

While I'm back there I am planning on doing the rears as well. I noticed that Pelican doesn't have all the accoutrements I will need.
Any suggestions?

gtc · gtc's Garage

Not sure what you are having trouble finding, but Pelican should have everything. Try giving them a call.

thsupernge · thsupernge's Garage

will do

hcoles · 06-04-2021, 11:50 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by gtc

Not sure what you are having trouble finding, but Pelican should have everything. Try giving them a call.

I already did this. They don't have the aftermarket front caliper hardware.

Solamar · 06-04-2021, 12:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by hcoles

I already did this. They don't have the aftermarket front caliper hardware.

I found the same, Pelican didn't have the hardware or it was only Porsche and too $$.

I found the hardware on eBay I believe.

For rotors I also used the Zimmerman z coated

The coating does a great job of preventing the rotors from getting all rusty on the edges.

Locker537 · 06-04-2021, 12:15 PM

Do you need to replace the hardware? It often cleans up nicely and will function as intended.

I purchased some hardware in the last year and the dimensions were ever so slightly different than I did not end up using it.

hcoles · 06-04-2021, 12:48 PM

Good point. I assumed the hardware sort of wore out - the metal didn't grab the edge of the pad as well as new. You could be right. I don't think it will clean up very well. Too much brake dust but it might be just fine as is. If I could get a new set for let's say $20 or so then I would put that in. Another good point that recent versions might not have the exact same dimensions and not work as well as original aged versions.