Helped replace GT3 brake pads

Wil Ferch · 02-08-2005, 05:13 AM

Don't know if this should go on the 996 list....but "big brakes" are found in all Porsche applications, so here goes....

Helped my friend change brake pads and do a fluid flush of his new GT3. Here's a question....when replacing the pads, we noticed that the OEM pads had an "anti-squeel" stick-on device on the backside of the backing plate....nothing unusual here. However, here is how they were built:
- for the 6 puck fronts ( for example)...there was a "sticky" for each puck, and the backside of the "sticky" had a fingered pilot shaft that fit into a recess of the puck that pushes onto the pad.

See where this is going ????.........

As you remove the pad radially outward...and the "Sticky" holds-on tight onto the pad...you can't help but to "rip" this sticky apart and the metal-fingered "pilot" remains in the puck recess......

So.....is there a better way to remove old OEM pads without destroying the "sticky" ? ( more importantly...without leaving a remnant behind in the bore of the puck ?)

Bill Verburg perhaps ....?

Wil

32Flat6 · 02-08-2005, 06:28 AM

These anti-squeal "spiders" are a clever way to keep the pad from moving around in the caliper which is key to eliminating brake squeal. The only way I can see to create the needed clearance for removing the pads/spiders as one unit would be to pull the caliper from the rotor. Porsche recommends replacing the spiders when changing pads, however with a little brake cleaner and some high temp adhesive they can be reused. Given the choice I'd rather reuse the spiders than spring for new caliper mounting bolts.

Interestingly, many 993 owners (myself included) have have experienced little or no squeal when tossing the spiders altogether at thier first pad change. Not sure if doing so with the 6 pot calipers on the GT3 would have the same results.

Wil Ferch · 02-08-2005, 09:52 AM

My friend doesn't care about noise ( or so he says *now*....just wait !).

So...the calipers have to be removed? Hold on...then what?

Now you have the caliper in your hand...and the pads/spiders inside. You then have to move each pad laterally sideways toward the center of the void space created when there's no disc in-place anymore. In doing that, the puck follows. You can't wedge a thin blade screwdriver between the puck and the spider...for fear of damaging the phenolic (?) puck...so what does all this gain you ?? I still don't see it, but of course, I can be dense.....

Wil

Craig 930 RS · 02-08-2005, 10:17 AM

Wow. What a PITA.
I'll have to ask a few of my GT2/GT3 customers and get back with what they have done. I believe many (somehow) remove all the ani-squeal stuff and go 'naked' -

Craig 930 RS · 02-08-2005, 11:13 AM

Response from a customer - perhaps this helps:
-----------------------------------

Hi Craig,
This is what I do with the front pads on my GT2;
Remove the old pads and drop in the new ones. Forget changing the anti-squeel shims as they are a waste of time, just leave the old ones in place. GT Porsches are meant to make noise!! ;-)

I`m having fun with the RS19s yellow Pagids already, they have a great operating range with zero fade.

Cheers for now,
Henry.

Bill Verburg · Bill Verburg's Garage

I don't use the spiders myself, they are a PIA, Here is what they look like. A different size for each different piston used.

The only way to remove pads w/o destroying the bond between the spider and the pad is to remove the caliper from it's mount. Once the rotor is no loger there the whole pad/spider assembly pops out.

Wil Ferch · 02-08-2005, 12:42 PM

Duh!...of course Bill...I don't know why I didn't see that. The pad/spider *combo* pulls out of the 2 or 3 pucks on one side of the caliper (depending upon the caliper) at the same time .......

Or, you *can* destroy the bond between the pad backing plate and the spider with a "very" thin knife or screwdriver blade.....if you can get in there "in-place"...

Wil

32Flat6 · 02-08-2005, 02:28 PM

Quote:

Or, you *can* destroy the bond between the pad backing plate and the spider with a "very" thin knife or screwdriver blade.....if you can get in there "in-place"...

Given what appears to be a fairly weak adhesive on the new spiders, its pretty amazing how strong the bond becomes after regular brake use. A stiff putty knife works well for separating pad and spider.

KobaltBlau · 02-08-2005, 03:32 PM

A 968 I had had the spiders as well, so it's not a new or GT2/3 specific thing; definitely a PITA. I tossed them and had no issues.