New discs and pads for 928 GTS....how much ££££ ?

[jodypress]

I might be needing new pad/discs all round soon. (definitely need some new pads) I was quoted £1300 fitted (approx 3hrs labour) from my usual garage, who I've used for a couple of years. They are reluctant to fit non Porsche discs etc.

I've heard Porsche parts have gone up a lot, but this does seem to be rather ridiculous. Any ideas on non Porsche parts or other suggestions?

[MPDano]

I see oem brake pads all over ebay. They are also very easy to replace yourself. With the wheels off, you could do each pad in about 5 minutes. At least this is how fast it can be done on an OB, not sure on the newer cars.

[gattaca]

Originally Posted by jodypress

Any ideas on non Porsche parts or other suggestions?

I like PBR Axxis Metal Master Brake Pads for the street. See if they're available in the UK though. For light race/track and even some street use I heard from other 928 fanatics that Pagid Orange is good but expensive.

For rotors, Zimmerman is used a lot, the coated ones are better for preventing rust.

[SolReaver]

The pads should not be too difficult to do. Rotors are expensive. Hopefully you can machine the old ones if they are scored. 1300 seems a little steep. Perhaps they want to replace the calipers and/or rotors. When doing the job check the calipers for smooth operation and check the piston seals. There is a video on you tube, I think it is called wheeler dealer 928 where a mechanic goes over the brakes on a project 928. Sometimes a shop will just replace everything just to be on the safe side. After inspecting the rotors, pads and calipers you should be in a better position to judge how much you can do the job for.

On the quoted price...what exactly did they want to replace and why? Sometimes the rotors can be machined if there is enough meat left on them and it is a much better deal than getting new rotors. It just means that the car is out of service longer and shops need to get them in and get them out for economic reasons.

Were you thinking of DIY, or are you a checkbook mechanic looking to save a few pounds without getting your hands dirty?

[Danglerb]

Most shops make a good profit on parts, but usually pick their suppliers for reasons other than price, like easy returns, free same day delivery. This makes them "reluctant to fit non Porsche discs etc.", plus you can't expect a mechanic to stand behind a job where you supply the parts.

Decide which way you want to or can go, DIY, paid shop labor perhaps without warranty or at a higher cost using parts you supply, or parts and labor from the shop. Best to find out exactly what the shop price includes and provides up front as well.

Anyone doing a full brake job in less than about 2 hours makes me wonder what they aren't doing that other mechanics do. DIY I'd give myself something like half a day, but I also tend to get into everything in the area.

[gattaca]

Yeah, Danglerb got it right on. Some independent shops are more willing to work with you especially if you're a long time customer, but not all. If you don't DIY, knowing a good 928 mechanic who does sideline work is the next best thing especially if you want to choose your own parts or want non-Porsche approved upgrades done (supercharger, turbo, porkensioner, etc.) Some shops like the one I go to will do upgrades as well w/ the only stipulation being that no warranty is given to parts they don't supply (they normally use Porsche parts).

[Lost1nSpace]

Assuming you're in the UK, there are several well respected Independant garages, Paul Anderson (Stroud 07816 668088), Chris Saunderson (Loe Bank Motors - Manchester area http://www.loebankmotors.co.uk/) and Promax (Milton Keynes http://www.promaxmotorsport.com/main.htm).

£1300 is on the step side, think you should be able to get a set of Front & Rear discs for no more than half of that - depends if you want the solid or cast hole discs. Can't recall pad prices, and you'll want to replace the Brake fluid if it hasn't been done in the last 12 months. Including labour, you may get to £1000.

Would highly recommend you join the 928 UK mail list (www.928.org.uk) if you haven't already - there's a great, friendly group of 928 owners an you'll pick up lot's of useful info to enhance the 928 experience

[2Quick4u928]

Mike, in relation to this post...have you, or anyone else know of any mods to upgrade to vented, composite rotors lets say from 996 or so that an 18" would bolt directly too? In addition moving up from a 4-piston caliper to a 6 (If they make) or 8? Maybe a stupid question, but I do not know, nor have I researched.

[Danglerb]

Some of the race guys are running I think F40 brakes, but "generally" anything that works on one Porsche can be made to work on another. If you start some kind of "big brake' thread, you will get more comments etc.