New discs conundrum!

I have a MY 2003 3.6 996 and I'm contemplating replacing my (OEM) four brake discs and pads during my next service (March). Here's the question: which make of discs should I go for? I've had a look at most of the makes on Euro Car, etc. but I want to get a set that won't rust as badly as my original Porsche ones have. I have to confess that the car doesn't get used very often and I know that this doesn't help matters but I want to get some that are made of a better steel than the Porsche ones (....or are they all better than the Porsche ones....?) :roll: Can anyone advise me on which make to go for - preferably from their experience of using them? Thanks a lot.

You're going to find that all the steel discs rust. The only option is Aluminium hats and floating disc but this is mega £££s... Are you sure you have original Porsche discs on there? They should be coated in a grey primer to stop the rust. Any easy fix is to mask of the actual disc and spray with silver primer/ hammerite. I went with Sebro discs on my latest change as they come pre painted and are exactly the same as OEM. In all honesty (after doing alot of research on options) you're not going to find a better option without a massive outlay. I looked at PFC discs which are a 2 piece design but weirdly the hats are still steel so actually weigh more than OEM and cost 3 times as much. Girodisc do a aluminium hat version but you're looking at a $1000 for fronts only. Then there's Brembo big brake packages, ££££s. In summary, buy Sebro... :thumb:

I went for these when I changed recently: http://www.design911.co.uk/fu/pt66_...-Discs---Pads/Brake-Pads---Disc-Package/#3814 They are quoted as being either Textar or Pagid disks\pads. More info. here: http://www.design911.co.uk/blog/index.php/2009/09/04/original-equipment-quality-parts/ Was happy with the service & delivery time from design911 & thought the package was good value. Like you my car isn't used daily, but it is in a garage overnight. Some more food for thought :thumb:

Hi Stuart. I'm afraid you've got the wrong end of the stick mate! I've already had to re-paint the "hats" on all four discs; it's the disc surfaces themselves that are rusting now - only on the inner surfaces - which is really common. Thanks very much for the info anyway! Adam - thanks for the information. That does look like a good deal. I'll let my indi know about it when I get it serviced. Thanks again. I wonder if these are better quality than the originals? Adrian.

Hi Adrian, the rust on the inner surface is a common problem, I'm just about to throw away a set of fronts with a fair amount of meat left on them after only 25k due to the severity of the ridging it causes, even the pads have lasted longer. I put it down to my car living on the street but will soon be garaged so will be interesting to see if that helps. I'll also make more effort to dry them off with a short drive after a wash. I go with the Sebros in the Design911 kit (generally regarded as equivalent if not identical to OEM Porsche) and fit myself, doesn't seem so bad then.

FWIW, there's an article about DIY disc and pad replacement on a 996 in the Feb 2010 issue of 911 & Porsche World.

I've just took delivery of the front disc and pad set from 911design, very good service with quick delivery, being fitted tomorrow (weather dependant!).

Sorry Adrian, yup, was thinking you meant the hats. Sadly there is no resolution to rusting disc surfaces. Sebro are by all accounts the exact same as OEM Porsche just without the fancy box. Same for Textar pads. Both much cheaper than Porsche branded, the pads even have the same part numbers on them. :thumb:

Thanks both! My initial rust problems were definitely caused years ago by not drying the discs off after washing the car. We all know what it's like; you spend time washing and drying the car and the last thing you want is that lovely brake dust 'jus' splashed all 'round the inside of your nice clean wheels! Or maybe that's just me!!? You live and learn but I was stupid to have not realised that this would happen over time. When I do replace them I'll be out there with a bloody hairdryer on them!!!

"....the pads even have the same part numbers on them." Unbelievable. Excellent...but unbelievable!! A bit like my cam-belt for my Citroen, then. I paid £12 for one from my local motor factors instead of £36 for the exact same one from Citroen!? :dont know: Cheers to y'all.

The moral of the story with ventilated disks is - Dont wash them or get them wet unless you are prepared to take the car for a quick drive and get them very hot to boil off the moisture. Putting the car back in a garage or leaving it standing whilst the disks are soaking is never going to be a good idea as they are cast iron and will always rust. :thumbs:

if there's still a bit of meat on the disks you can get them skimmed its not as pricey as replacing them and they seem to work pretty well...

+1 Porsche actually released a TSB about this for the Turbo, but not for other models for some strange reason.

TSB........? Total Serum Bilirubin? Technology Strategy Board? Telecommunications Systems Bulletin? Training Support Brigade? The Silent Ballet? Textiles Surveillance Body? Trunk Signaling Buffer? Tall Shiny Building? Thrust Sector Blower? Transmission Synchronizer Brake? or.... Track Suit Bottom....?

Technical Service Bulletin, silly. :hand: