New Brakes and Rotors at 14K???

[FrankieG]

Just found out at inspection that I need new pads, rotors and sensors. Only 14K on the car and I drive normally. Any ideas????

[mplatt911]

My 04 Cayenne TT went over 40k miles and just hit wear sensors. 109k on vehicle now.

On the good sign my local Autoparts International sold me 4 rotors and 2 sets of pads for $400. Dealer was $1350. They seem to be holding up well and replacement was straightforward as can be.

[FrankieG]

My shop wants $705 to do it, on my last Cayenne the Porsche dealer charged $1300. Seems like a good deal, and he is using genuine Porsche parts. My only concern is why they need replacement so quickly.

[island911]

Originally Posted by FrankieG

.... My only concern is why they need replacement so quickly.

Because your shop can charge more - is the likely answer. :-/

Obviously rotors get some wear, as a set of pads wear. And, some mechanics will point to that wear and suddenly have very high standards as to what is acceptable wear. (unless they are talking about their own car's rotors)

It is VERY easy to replace rotors; esp when the pads are being changed out. And, the cost on rotors is small (easy mark-up)

[FrankieG]

Thanks for the info...so is it safe to assume that they may not be as bad as he says? Maybe I should get a second opinion?

[island911]

Have you been tracking the car?

If not, I would say that there is something wrong with the OE equipment, if they only lasted 14k.

My guess is they are well within spec, but your shop just noted the rotor wear as an excuse to replace.


Here's an idea...

Maybe ask if the tires should be replaced as well. --you know, they are not NEW anymore. . .. and SAFETY...

[FrankieG]

Tracking? No. Basically mostly commuting to and from work, drive thru NYC so there is some stop and go, but nothing out of the ordinary.

I think I'll have another shop look at them and see what they say

[stealthn]

I would go out and purchase a micrometer and check them yourself. Although Porsche does say if the second set of pads is worn, the rotors must be changed out too...but at 14K?

Somethink stinks

[wcc]

Is there a tech article somewhere on this? I'm getting ready to start collecting parts but it would be nice to see a write up somewhere on the process.

I'm thinking of:
Hawk Dustless pads
Zimmerman cross drilled rotors
Re-using the wear sensors

Any thoughts/suggestions/comments/links would be greatly appreciated....

[mplatt911]

Its fairly straightforward. I reused the shim hardware and pins. I got my whole set up at Autopart International for about $250. The pads came with the sensors already in them and rotors. I've got like 1000 miles on them now and all is great. No noise, etc.

procedure.
1) take off wheel
2) Loosen the center pin bolt which passes through center of pads. Tap it out of caliper. I had to use a punch and hammer to get it out of caliper.
3) tap pins out of bottom and top of pads shims.
4) unclip sensor wire from strut mounting point.
5) push back pistons with screwdriver wedged against pads
6) pull out pads
7) remove caliper mounting bolts from hub.
8) Remove and hang caliper off strut.
9) Remove torx head bolts from rotor.
10) Remove rotor( I tapped mine off with a rubber mallet)
11) Clean off hub with wire brush and clean off new rotor with brake cleen.
12) Install rotor and torx screw.
13) reinstall caliper. I blue loctited caliper mounting bolts
14) Make sure pistons are pushed all the way in.
15) Slide in new pads
16) Reinstall shims and center pin through caliper and pads( I used some high temp anti seize on it so it won't bind in caliper for the next time)
17) Make sure sensor wires are in both pads correctly before putting pins in.
18 ) install shim pins.
19) Route sensor wire and secure in bleed screw cap and snap onto strut.
20) Mount tire and retorque
Your good to go.
Took me about 1.5 hrs tops.

Good luck!

[wcc]

Originally Posted by mplatt911

Its fairly straightforward. I reused the shim hardware and pins. I got my whole set up at Autopart International for about $250. The pads came with the sensors already in them and rotors. I've got like 1000 miles on them now and all is great.
Good luck!

Great write up, thanks!

So you got pads, sensors, and rotors all for $250? Is that front and rear? That is an awesome deal! Do you have a link to that package deal? I googled auto part international but they don't show much on their site so maybe I just need to call them. Here's where I went....

https://www.autopartintl.com/

[mplatt911]

Thats the place! I paid $405 for all four rotors and pads. You have to find your local shop. They supply local jobbers. Kind of like NAPA but specialize in foreign cars. I have gotten pads and rotors from them for my wifes mini and my 944S2 also. They work fine.

The sensors are already attached to the pads.

Sunset Porsche was about $900 for genuine stuff if you prefer, but $100 to ship. My local dealer was $1400 for parts. It's all what you want to spend.

[wcc]

Great! Thanks for the info!

How are your pads in regards to brake dust? The stock pads make the wheels black really quick, that's why I was planning on the Hawk dustless ones.

[mplatt911]

Dust is fine. I have the turbo twist 20". BUT.....the centers are painted black. Regardless they still have little dust from what i can tell.