Swapping out PCCBs for Steels - 981 GTS - Page 1 - Boxster/Cayman - PistonHeads UK

Hi guys, Looking for some advice; been told I can swap the PCCBs for Steels as apparently, the calipers fit (but the pads also need changing etc). Has anyone else done this to preserve/protect their PCCBs?

Probably only worth doing if you are intending on a lot of track use, where brakes are a regular cost consumable. Although, the yellow PEC GT4 reportedly endured huge usage on the original ceramic discs. For road use, the pccbs will give you all their intended benefits.

Geneve said: Probably only worth doing if you are intending on a lot of track use, where brakes are a regular cost consumable. Although, the yellow PEC GT4 reportedly endured huge usage on the original ceramic discs. For road use, the pccbs will give you all their intended benefits. Appreciate it, I am being a big wet blanket - terrified of them breaking on a pothole, etc. I drive like a nun and barely lean on them so won't wear them out but I am looking to make the change before a European road trip as it is one less thing to go wrong.

You can do this… just need to find the right rotors for your car which will be probably 350mm front /330mm to match? Girodisc probably have aftermarket offering… also might be worth investigating if 718 GTS steel rotors might be a fit also… as at Lea the diameters are correct I think. But have a dig around to be sure.

I used to have PCCB’s on my old 981 Boxster. I was initially worried about them getting damaged or wearing out. I had them properly inspected at around 30k and they were absolutely fine, and on original pads too. Easier said than done, but my advice would be enjoy them for their benefits and nice clean wheels.

Swine Enthusiast said: Appreciate it, I am being a big wet blanket - terrified of them breaking on a pothole, etc. I drive like a nun and barely lean on them so won't wear them out but I am looking to make the change before a European road trip as it is one less thing to go wrong. They should never go wrong. They are tough and long lasting, and pot holes are worse for wheels and tyres. Normal care and pad changes and they’ll last into 100,000 mls plus. Had them on seven successive Porsches over 18 years and only enjoyed the benefits.

Conversely I’d like to do the opposite and swap out the steels on my 911 (992) for PCCB’s!! Worst part of the car in my opinion. Annoyed that I didn’t tick the box when ordering… I’ve got PCCB’s on my 981S Boxster also and they are incredible.

I’ve got them on my GTS. They are great and I wouldn’t bother swapping them for steels ones. I believe the chance of these been damaged it quite rare. So enjoy them as I will. Cheers

Really appreciate the responses - I will start a gofundme should they break and you guys can all contribute I need to stop being so worried I think!

As a fellow pistonhead brother i will be willing to do you a massive favour. I'll save you the hassle of searching for discs etc and do you a swap for my recently fitted steels. Hell I'll even pay the cost for a specialist to do the swap for us so we can grab some lunch instead of getting dirty hands. Sound good 👍

I’ve had Pccbs on previous Porsches but couldn’t get them on my current. Loved them, with lots of daily advantages. Just treated them like normal. I think it was only the first generation ceramics, 20 years ago, that had a few issues. And don’t worry about damage. If you hit a pot hole and damage a wheel, suspension, brakes (steel or ceramic), or whatever, any reputable insurer will pay out for the repairs.

Just enjoy them, they will be fine. The chance of experiencing some catestrophic failure through normal road use, including sprited driving, would be incredibly low. Just make sure you change the pads in line with recommendations. Plus no brake dust, and they look very nice too.

I agree, the chance of damage is minimal but it's worth buying the aluminium stud rods that ensure that the wheels when removed cannot make contact with the disc edge ... they used in 996 days to be included with the PCCB option, but no longer. Porsche are such cheap stakes ... I always insist that tyre fitters use mine, .... even when they say they don't need to. Or I go elsewhere ... it is not their risk to take.

Really appreciate the replies, again just being a big baby it seems. Love the car to bits and don't want to be forced to fork over £4k per corner for replacements.

I had PCCB's on a 981 boxster. I changed the pads which were 1/2 worn at 70k. Discs looked mint. If you think about it, it's like worrying if you bend the car at £4k per corner...

Yes unless driving the car hard all pads last, I like steels as always race with them so same feel. Takes about 40mins to change a set of discs and pads , so not a big deal ..and about £1,300 in parts for fronts on a .2 RS

What would you do with the PCCBs if you fitted steels? Keep them in a box under the bed?

If they did get broken hitting a pot hole could you claim on your insurance? It’s not like you are wearing them out , I would think you could claim , but are wearing parts excluded?

matjk said: If they did get broken hitting a pot hole could you claim on your insurance? It’s not like you are wearing them out , I would think you could claim , but are wearing parts excluded? If you crashed a car and damaged the brakes, they would be covered in the claim, as would the tyres if they were damaged. Any damage to a car is claimable under fully comp insurance. But people rarely claim for small items because of hassle, NCB impact, and premium impact.

TTmonkey said: If you crashed a car and damaged the brakes, they would be covered in the claim, as would the tyres if they were damaged. Any damage to a car is claimable under fully comp insurance. But people rarely claim for small items because of hassle, NCB impact, and premium impact. Exactly. I know of someone who did - albeit on a Macan with steel brakes. She hit a pot hole damaging the n/s wheel, tyre, and hub. The insurers didn’t quibble - paid out for all new parts on both n/s and o/s, as OPC said they should be replaced in pairs. £7k claim paid in full, less £250 excess. PCCB ‘damage’ would be treated exactly the same.