New to me 89 S4. brake pads, rear bumper

Mark SF · 09-23-2010, 08:18 PM

Hi,

I just bought an 89 S4 with 130K miles. In nice shape except for some sun damage to the headliner and back seats. Everything seems to work, even heat and A/C. The timing belt was last changed a year ago, along with all the fluids.

This car is going to be an ongoing project. The last car I had was a V12 Jaguar XJS, on which I rebuilt the front and rear suspension. Looking forward to doing the same on the Porsche!

On the 50 mile drive home the Porsche and I had a good chat, where I explained that in return for being reasonably reliable and not letting me down, I would furnish it with TLC and lots of nice new parts. I think we have reached an understanding.

On Monday its going in for an inspection at a reputable Porsche specialist. Any issues I will then try to separate into stuff I can do at home, and stuff they will do. (and stuff I will ignore....)

The two most pressing issues I know about are the brake pads, and the rear bumper.

The car came with a full set of Textar brake pads for both axles. The PO said the back brakes started squeeking last week. My question is, should I also buy the vibration dampers, or is it acceptable to reuse the existing ones?

The rear bumper is bashed in by the license plate. I checked the cross girder underneath, and the two extrusions, and it all looks OK. Seems like damage is limited to the plastic bumper cover. Where is the best place to source a new one?

Last night I fixed the screen washer jets. One thing fixed already!

stepson · 09-23-2010, 08:46 PM

Mark,
A Porsche mechanic is not necessarily a 928 mechanic. Do yourself a favor and locate a good 928 mechanic that will do a PPI (in your case a Post purchase inspection).

Congratulations on your purchase. You have bought one of the finest and most reliable super-automobiles made to date. The only thing necessary is to keep it maintained properly.

You will probably need new bumper shocks. They are a one-time use item and are relatively inexpensive. Unless the bumper cover is cut or torn, the replacement bumper shocks may alleviate the need for a new bumper cover.

Mark SF · 09-23-2010, 09:09 PM

Thanks for the info

I used to trust those guys with my 944 S2 a decade ago, I think they are good with all Porsches.