996 Rotors & Pads - Recommendations

[mtelliott]

Recommendations on which rotors and pads to purchase for 996. I've got the brake pad sensor light on so no I need to start thinking about new pads and potentially rotors. Lot of choices on rotors and pads but what are most people using / seeing?

I haven't determined yet if it's the fronts or backs setting off the light. Just want to get my shopping list together before starting.

Not tracking the car, just a 3 season driver and occasional during the winter.

[Luccia at Pelican Parts]

Sebro or Zimmerman rotors are the 996 rotor of choice. They're perfect for street and track applications. I, personally, prefer slotted/vented rotors vs. drilled. The Sebro's offer a slotted/vented rotor that are a great choice.

Porsche 996 (1999-2005) - Brake Pads & Rotors - Page 5

For pads, Akebono is a great low dust street pad. I'd suggest those pads or HAWK. If you aren't going to do any track time the Akebono and the HAWK Ceramic pads are what I recommend. The HAWK Ceramics are low dust and noise. I also run Ate Typ200 brake fluid (run it for street & track) for a really great brake pedal feel.

Ate Super Gold Typ200 - Porsche 996 (1999-2005) - Brake Hydraulics - Page 2
Akebono - Porsche 996 (1999-2005) - Brake Pads & Rotors - Page 1
HAWK - Porsche 996 (1999-2005) - Brake Performance Upgrades - Page 4

Let me know if you have any specific questions about the items I listed.

[mtelliott]

@Luccia: The Akebono's look to be twice the price of the Textar OEM brand. How much better are they than Textar (or why are they that much better)?

[Luccia at Pelican Parts]

Great question. The Textar pads will be a direct OE replacement part. So if you're wanting to stick with OE pads, I'd go with them. They're perfect for the daily driver. Akebono pads are really great for low dust, noise and they last a good amount. I have come across people saying that Akebono's have more of a linear/smooth bite vs. how Genuine/OEM pads bite. Personally, I like this feeling more. To put it into perspective, I believe Mclaren chose to have Akebono supply their pads for their P1. Hope that helps, but either way I don't think you'll be disappointed with Textar or Akebono.

[firstorbit84]

2nd for akebono pads. I just went with cheap rotors though (centric or meyle, I think)

[Montychristo128]

If you do go with non oem rotors make sure you fit them in the right direction on the fronts. Grab a hardware kit too, this makes life easier.

Rears are not directional so no worries there. They are pretty easy to swap out, final tip if they are stuck, the other threaded hole in the rotor is so you can use the screw to "push them off". There are a few videos on Youtube too that help. But they do not necessarily show you all the steps.

[mtelliott]

Thank you. I've got at least 1000 miles left on the rears so waiting till warm weather before ordering and starting.