Cayman Brake Rotors

OK, So I got the brake pad wear indicator while driving home yesterday in my non-S '07 Cayman . Called Suncoast today to check part prices and then my local Porsche dealer to compare parts prices and make arrangements for the maintenance. In my conversation with Suncoast , they advised that Porsche rotors can be turned maybe once (for the life of 2 sets of pads). While they indicated that isn't always the case, especially with hard driving, it may be OK for a daily driver. I was surprised that my local dealership indicated they haven't turned a rotor in eight years. Does this sound right to you guys, or are they just pushing expensive (an perhaps) unnecessary parts? This is my first P-car. It seems excessive to have to change rotors every brake pad change. I don't want to skimp on safety though (after all we are talking BRAKES here!). What say you? ~Wailer

Brake pad indicator is to let you know when your pads wear down, not your rotors. There are a number of good articles on this site with pictures to check whether your rotors need replacing, but chances are, unless you've got high miles or have been tracking regularly, you simply need to replace your pads. There are also some great articles on how to change your pads yourself, if you're so inclined.

In years gone by the rotors would hardly wear so turning them was normal, but these days rotors last less time and are cheaper, so there is little point in most cases to turn them. I guess the real question is how much are they worn now and how much is left. If the wearable amount is less than they are worn now then you'd probably end up replacing the pads (along with new discs) prematurely.

Thanks guys! I realize the wear indicator warning is for pads and not the rotors. I guess I'll take it in and see what's worn and how much. I seriously doubt the rotors will need replacement at 40K, especially with the kind of driving I do. Probably just pads. Appreciate the quick responses. :thanks: ~Wailer

Walter, take a look at this thread before heading to the dealer. Some very good information about why a dealer may insist on changing your rotors as well even if it isn't necessary. http://www.planet-9.com/cayman-boxs...ster-problems-complaints/29059-brake-pads-rotors-change-after-10-000-miles.html

And this: http://www.planet-9.com/cayman-boxster-problems-complaints/47133-brake-dics-problems-18k.html

The indications for changing rotors are >2mm of wear (you can get an idea just by checking how much lip has developed on each side of the rotor, or measure overall thickness with a caliper), or cracks which connect holes or extend to the rim.

BMW and Mercedes have been preaching not turning rotors since 1985. My practice has always been, if your not metal to metal 2 pad changes per set of rotors. Brakes are not an area to skimp on, especially on a high-performance car...:dance:

Not to mention what would happen if you were to lose a rotor at speed. Doesn't happen very often but when it does it's usually REALLY bad.

KS-CS, and all who responded, Couple of additional questions (on this NON-S model) . . . Without removing the wheels, I measured the front rotor lip and it is about 2.5mm, the back about .8mm. So it looks like I'm looking at front rotors based on your input. Zero cracks on any rotor and no "ruts" or deeper grooves. Without me having to remove the wheels to check, can you tell me how many bolts hold each caliper on? I plan to replace them. Can I reuse the pad retainer clips? How about the sensors? Anything else I should go ahead and order? After checking all 4 "local" P-dealers it looks like Suncoast will significantly beat them on price even including the shipping. Any additional thoughts before I start ordering? After all the research this time around, I will probably attempt to change pads and rotors myself next time. The articles are a great help Thanks for the help guys! :cheers: ~Wailer

There are 2 bolts per caliper - note that my original bolts required a 10mm hex key, but the new bolts from Suncoast were T-55 Torx key (which meant I had to make an emergency run to Sears to get the torx socket when I realized in the middle of installing my new rotors, that they were different). You should probably be able to reuse the retaining clips unless they are rusty or corroded. Note that there are 2 size clips and brake pads depending on whether yours came originally with the 996 or 997 sized (I think the 996 was limited to 2006 models, but you can check for sure on Suncoast). If your brake pad wear light came on, then you will have to replace at least one or more of your sensors, since they are toast once activated. It's hard to say how many you actually need without removing the pads, but you might be able to guess by looking at which pads are the thinnest (I would bet on the front wearing down first).

Thanks all. I'm game for doing this myself next time around! You've given me confidence that I can do this. I've never done brakes before, but this looks pretty straight forward. I will pick up the Torx and a couple of items I lack so I'm ready. The pics REALLY help! You guys are great! ~Wailer