I Need brakes!!

pearljaman31 · 12-01-2005, 08:27 AM

My brakes are pretty bad right now. I recently put on rear pads, but thats it. My mechanic couldnt turn the rotors but he said they were still pretty thick so it was ok in the shorterm. Besides new pads and rotors for all four wheels, what else is needed to have decent braking ability? Im thinking pretty soon im not gonna be able to slow down intime, and downshifting cant stop you. Maybe i'll just attach a pillow to my front bumper and brace the impact. I spent like $200 in parts and labor just for the rear pads last time, and money is an issue.

wizkid918 · 12-01-2005, 08:35 AM

well, if i were you i would have done the front pads first, front brakes give you 2/3 or more of your stopping power, that may be why it doesnt seem like the back brakes helped much.

it is very easy for a DIY job too, 15 per wheel is a generous amount of time to install new pads. i have used metal masters and am happy with the braking power they have, and they are about $35 for a pair.

if you need MORE braking power, then bleed the system, new fluid, and SS brake lines, other than that it should be plenty.

Steve PH · 12-01-2005, 08:38 AM

It maybe a good time to get the fluid replaced and also get the flexible hoses checked (make sure they dont bulge under pressure).

$200 for a change of rear pads? Save your self a small fortune and learn to do it your self!

Techno Duck · Techno Duck's Garage

Front pads are fairly easy to do yourself. I just did mine last weekend. The approach i found easiest was to take the caliper off completley. If you have the following available to you, do the fronts yourself. Wont take longer than a days work for a first timer.

-Jack and jackstands
-19mm socket, 1/2 drive.
-1/2 drive breaker bar (makes life easier) or ratchet will do
-5inch c-clamp to compress the piston and expand caliper
-Friend to help you change the brake fluid
-8mm and 7mm wrench for bleed valves on wheels

Obviously you also need about a one liter or quart of brake fluid and new pads. I also highly reccommend buying a new brake hardware kit, $50 for the front axel (might be a little less). There are plenty or writeups on doing the job yourself on Clarks-Garage and on Tech-Session.com

How are the pads on the front wheels? Are the rotors still in good shape? Whens the last time you changed the brake fluid in the system?

hpaulb · 12-01-2005, 09:18 AM

You own a Porsche!! If you don't start doing stuff yourselfe, your go broke or worse-parked. Brakes are the easiest thing to do so start there. It usually takes me 20 minutes to change pads. That included removing, cleaning and regreasing caliper sliders. i.e. That was generic. Don't grease Porsche sliders in the caliper brackets.