BRAKE PAD QUESTIONS?
I noticed on OEM Pads there are metal extensions with a silver metal cylinders attached (see BRAKE picture).
1. What is the purpose(s) of the extension/metal cylinder?
Pros & Cons
2. Why are they not on aftermarket replacement pads?
(See PAD 2 comparison of OEM to an Aftermarket)
I can't tell you why they are there. Sometimes, it can be a carry over from a part having multiple applications. And if that is so, the cylinders may have had a purpose. I suspect the fact that they are missing from the after market is that they are not needed. After market parts are generally designed to be less expensive.
I'm guessing they are some kind of antivibration/noise device. FMarshall's explanation sounds good too.
No idea....Help prevent pad rattle maybe :shrug:
I'd like to hear the real answer... thats an interesting growth coming off of them, lol.
beat me to it....I type too slow
Brake Pad Problem
Along a similar line, I have a 2007 Cayman S that I track. Due to a lack of time, I tracked my Cayman with the stock pads and was only able to get three days out of them on the track. I ordered replacement OEM stock pads and, when I went to install them in the car, the brake pad tensioner is too short for the replacement pads. The current pads that came with the car are shaped like the replacement pads pictured in the other posting (sloped on both ends from the middle down so that the short tensioner will fit
). Thinking it was a problem with the replacement pads and not my tensioner, I went to my local Porsche dealer and purchased replacement pads but experienced the same problem. Has anyone experienced this problem before? I think if I purchase a replacement tensioner that is longer, the problem will be solved. Does anyone have any ideas?
Tensioner issue
I think I'm having the same fitting issue with oem pads...
I also recently purchased replacement OEM pads (Textar) and found that the shape of the replacement pads (front) are different than the original pads. the pads I received have a rectangular shape at the top rather than a smooth slope.
Thus the tensioner that holds the pads in place doesn't fit properly.
the pads I got look like the ones in the first post. Here's the pic from Suncoast:
Suncoast Porsche, Audi, & VW: Front Brake Pad Set - Boxster S or Cayman S
also wondering if anyone has addressed this.
I believe someone previously suggested that they functioned as brake wear sensors (before the electronic version). When your pads get worn down enough for them to kiss on braking - you'll hear that it's time to change your pads.
Has anyone used the new shaped front pads without the tensioner. If so do they work without the tensioner?
hmm i wouldn't risk it without the tensioner spring.
anybody knows when porsche changed the pad shape? was it between model years or mid-model year?
Looks like wrong pads to me. I would double-check part numbers and compatibility. The retaining springs are an important part of the system - safety and noise-wise. Don't try to drive without them.
Those metal knob thingy's are counter weights, intended to reduce vibration. Many of the aftermarket pads work just fine without these.
update... diablodog1 emailed me the other day and said that they were indeed the CORRECT pads, but the tensioner was different.
when a friend pointed out this article (which I've read many times before)
My Articles - Installing Hawk Brake Pads - Powered by ReviewPost
I noticed for the first time that the brake pads and tensioner were different than mine... guess I never noticed it since I always assumed all OEM pads would be the same shape.
So now I will have to get a brake hardware kit from my dealer to get the newer tensioner (diablodog1 mentioned it was around $65). a quick google search will also yield a couple of places that may sell them for cheaper ($29):
Discount Car Parts Stuff - Auto Parts and Accessories Catalog - Brake Hardware Porsche - 2007 Porsche Cayman
Porsche Brake Hardware Kit 2007 Cayman - AutoPartsWarehouse.com
OK.. another question. First off, my Cayman is a 2.7... but when I look at the photos of the brakes, I see these plates with those cylinders sticking out. Fremont Porsche replaced my fronts ... and it appears that those cylinders are not facing out, but facing "in" toward the hub. I installed Pagid Oranges.. gave them a try and they seem to break well... but does anyone have an idea why those cylinders were facing toward the hub -- Fremont screwed up?, doesn't matter, that's the way the 2.7's are done?? WTH? Thanks for any advice.
Don
