5 Steps to Change Brake Pads on a Porsche

Maintaining your Porsche’s braking system is crucial for ensuring optimal performance and safety. One essential aspect of this upkeep is replacing worn brake pads. Neglecting this task can lead to reduced braking efficiency, increased stopping distances, and costly damage to other components. Therefore, changing your Porsche’s brake pads regularly is vital to preserving its pristine condition and driving experience.

The process of replacing brake pads on a Porsche involves several steps, and it’s recommended to seek professional assistance if you are not mechanically inclined. However, for those who are confident in their abilities, this article will provide a comprehensive guide on how to safely and effectively change brake pads on your Porsche.

Before embarking on this task, gather the necessary tools and materials, including new brake pads, a jack, jack stands, wheel chocks, brake caliper spreader, and a torque wrench. Ensure you have a clean and well-lit workspace and consult your Porsche’s owner’s manual for specific instructions and safety guidelines.

Identifying Worn Brake Pads

Maintaining optimal brake performance is crucial for your safety and vehicle’s well-being. Brake pads play a vital role in this system by creating friction against the brake rotors, thus slowing down and stopping your vehicle. However, brake pads are subject to wear and tear over time, and monitoring their condition is essential to ensure their effectiveness.

Signs of Worn Brake Pads

Here are some common signs that indicate your brake pads may need replacing:

Squealing or grinding noises: When brake pads reach the end of their lifespan, a metal component known as the wear indicator makes contact with the brake rotor, producing a high-pitched squealing or grinding sound. This serves as a warning that it’s time to replace your brake pads.
Reduced braking performance: Worn brake pads have diminished friction, leading to reduced braking effectiveness. You may notice your vehicle taking longer to come to a complete stop or requiring more effort to slow down.
Excessive brake dust: Worn brake pads release more brake dust than new ones, resulting in a noticeable buildup on your wheels and brake calipers.
Vibrations during braking: Unevenly worn brake pads can cause vibrations in the steering wheel or brake pedal while braking.
Visible wear: Physically inspecting your brake pads through the wheels can reveal their condition. If you notice significant thinning or cracking, it’s time to replace them.

Measurement	Brake Pad Thickness
New	≥10 mm (0.39 in)
Minimum	2 mm (0.08 in)

Remember, these signs may vary depending on your driving habits, vehicle conditions, and the type of brake pads installed. Regularly inspecting your brake pads and seeking professional assistance when necessary will ensure your vehicle’s braking system remains in optimal condition.

Gathering Necessary Tools and Materials

Before commencing the brake pad replacement process, it is crucial to assemble an assortment of essential tools and materials. These components will ensure the task is executed efficiently and effectively.

Tools:

Jack and jack stands
Lug wrench
18mm socket wrench
13mm socket wrench
Flat-head screwdriver
Caliper spreader tool
Brake cleaner spray
Anti-squeal paste

Materials:

Component	Quantity
New brake pads	4 sets (for all four wheels)
Brake pad clips	4 clips (if applicable)
Brake fluid (DOT 4)	As needed (to top up the reservoir)

Safety Precautions to Observe

Before commencing any work on your Porsche, it is imperative to prioritize safety by adhering to the following precautions:

1. Secure the Vehicle:

Park the vehicle on a level surface and engage the parking brake to prevent any accidental movement.

2. Safety Gear:

Always wear appropriate safety gear, including gloves and safety glasses, to protect yourself from potential hazards.

3. Wheel Chocks:

Place wheel chocks behind the wheels diagonally opposite the ones you will be working on to ensure the vehicle remains stationary even if the parking brake fails.

Steps for Placing Wheel Chocks:
Choose a sturdy and stable material for the chocks. Position the chocks firmly against the tires. Ensure the chocks are angled towards the front of the vehicle. Apply pressure to the chocks to secure them in place.

Locating and Jacking Up the Vehicle

Step 1: Locate the Jack Points

Identify the designated jack points on your Porsche. These are usually marked with small notches or symbols on the frame of the car. It’s crucial to locate these points accurately to avoid damaging the vehicle.

Step 2: Engage the Parking Brake

Engage the parking brake to prevent the vehicle from rolling while jacked up. This will provide an additional layer of safety during the brake pad replacement process.

Step 3: Position the Jack Stand

Place the jack stand next to the jack point on the side of the vehicle where you’ll be working. The jack stand should be positioned so that it supports the frame once the vehicle is lifted.

Step 4: Jack Up the Vehicle

Using a floor jack or hydraulic jack, carefully lift the vehicle at the designated jack point. Raise the car high enough to provide ample clearance for removing the wheels and accessing the brake calipers.

Important: Stabilize the Vehicle

Once the vehicle is lifted, ensure it’s stable and secure. Lower the vehicle slightly onto the jack stand and remove the floor jack. Double-check the stability of the vehicle before proceeding with any further work.

Precautionary Measures for Jacking Up:

Measure	Reason
Use proper jack stands	Prevents vehicle from falling if floor jack fails
Engage parking brake	Prevents rolling while working
Lift at designated jack points	Prevents damage to the frame
Stabilize vehicle after lifting	Ensures safe and stable working environment
Never work under an unsupported vehicle	Avoids potential injury in case of jack failure

Removing the Tires

Use a jack and a jack stand to raise the part of the car where you’ll be replacing the brake pads.

Step 2: Loosen the Lug Nuts

Find the lug nuts on the tire you’re removing. These are usually large, hex-shaped nuts located on the wheel studs.

Step 3: Remove the Lug Nuts and Tire

Use a lug wrench to loosen the lug nuts but do not remove them completely. Then, carefully lift the tire off of the wheel studs.

Step 4: Inspect the Brake Components

Once the tire is removed, you should inspect the brake components. Check the brake pads for wear and the brake rotors for any damage or warping.

Step 5: Remove the Caliper

The caliper is the metal housing that holds the brake pads. To remove it, you will need to:
– Locate the caliper bolts, which are usually located on the back of the caliper.
– Use a wrench or socket to loosen the caliper bolts.
– Carefully lift the caliper off of the brake rotor. Be careful not to damage the brake hose.
– Remove the old brake pads from the caliper.
– Install the new brake pads into the caliper.
– Reinstall the caliper onto the brake rotor.
– Tighten the caliper bolts.
– Reinstall the tire onto the wheel studs.
– Tighten the lug nuts using a lug wrench.
– Lower the car by carefully removing the jack and jack stand.

Repeat this process for each tire needing new brake pads.

Inspecting the Brake Pads and Rotors

Visual Inspection

Park the vehicle on a flat, level surface and allow it to cool completely. Remove the wheels using the manufacturer’s recommended procedure and visually inspect the brake pads and rotors. Look for any unusual wear, gouging, or scoring on the rotor surfaces. Ensure that the pads have sufficient thickness remaining, typically around 3-5 millimeters, and that they are not worn down to the metal backing plate.

Micrometer Measurement

If visual inspection does not provide conclusive results, use a micrometer to accurately measure the thickness of the brake pads. Place the micrometer on a section of the pad where it is not excessively worn and record the measurement. Refer to the manufacturer’s specifications for the minimum acceptable pad thickness and replace them if they have fallen below that level.

Rotors

Inspect the rotors for any signs of warping, cracks, or excessive wear. Use a dial indicator to measure the runout of the rotors, which should not exceed the manufacturer’s specified tolerances. Additionally, check the rotors for thickness using a micrometer. If the rotors are below the specified minimum thickness or exhibit any significant damage, they will need to be replaced.

Measurement Table

Component	Measurement	Acceptable Range
Brake Pads	Thickness	Minimum 3-5 mm
Rotors	Thickness	Refer to manufacturer’s specifications
Rotors	Runout	Within manufacturer’s specified tolerances

Replacing the Brake Pads

Step 1: Gather Materials
You will need a jack, jack stands, lug wrench, socket wrench, new brake pads, brake cleaner, and a caliper spreader.

Step 2: Safety First
Park the car on a level surface, engage the parking brake, and place wheel chocks behind the wheels opposite the ones you will be working on.

Step 3: Remove the Wheel
Use a lug wrench to loosen the lug nuts on the wheel you will be working on, then raise the car using a jack and place jack stands under designated jack points for safety. Remove the lug nuts and wheel.

Step 4: Remove the Caliper
Locate the brake caliper and remove the bolts that hold it in place. Carefully lift the caliper off the rotor and support it with a bungee cord or wire.

Step 5: Remove the Old Brake Pads
Use a flathead screwdriver to pry the old brake pads out of the caliper bracket.

Step 6: Clean and Lubricate
Clean the caliper bracket and the back of the new brake pads with brake cleaner. Apply a thin layer of brake grease to the back of the new pads and the contact points on the caliper bracket.

Step 7: Install the New Brake Pads
Align the new brake pads with the caliper bracket and slide them into place. Use a caliper spreader to compress the caliper piston to make room for the new pads. Ensure the pads are properly seated and do not protrude beyond the caliper bracket. Replace the caliper over the pads and tighten the bolts to secure it.

Step 8: Reinstall the Wheel
Place the wheel back on the hub and tighten the lug nuts. Lower the car and fully tighten the lug nuts with a torque wrench.

Step 9: Bed-In the New Brake Pads
Drive the car gently for the first 500 miles to bed-in the new brake pads and ensure optimal performance.

Reinstalling the Tires

Now that the new brake pads are in place, it’s time to reinstall the tires. Begin by carefully lifting the vehicle and placing it securely on jack stands.

Next, remove the lug nuts from each tire using a lug wrench. Grip the tire firmly and pull it straight towards you to detach it from the wheelbase.

Inspect the tires for any signs of damage or wear. If any irregularities are found, consider replacing the tire for safety reasons.

Mounting the Tires

Align the tire with the corresponding wheelbase and carefully lift it into place. Ensure it is properly seated and that the valve stem is facing outwards.

Thread the lug nuts back onto the wheelbase by hand, tightening them as much as possible.

Using a torque wrench, tighten the lug nuts to the manufacturer’s specified torque. Tighten the lug nuts in a star pattern to ensure even distribution of force.

Lowering the Vehicle

Once the tires are properly installed and tightened, carefully lower the vehicle by removing the jack stands.

Go for a short test drive to check for any unusual noises or vibrations. If any issues arise, it is crucial to consult a qualified mechanic for further inspection.

Torquing and Lubricating Components

Once the new brake pads and rotors are in place, it’s important to torque all the bolts and nuts to the correct specifications. Refer to the Porsche owner’s manual or repair guide for the specific torque values.

Lubricating Components

To prevent squealing and premature wear, apply a thin layer of high-temperature brake grease to the following components:

Back of the brake pads where they contact the caliper bracket
Top and bottom of the caliper slide pins
Edges of the brake pads where they contact the caliper

Tightening Sequence

To ensure even distribution of pressure and prevent warping, follow the correct tightening sequence when torquing the caliper bolts.

For most Porsche models, the recommended tightening sequence is as follows:

Bolt Position	Tightening Sequence
Top Left	1
Top Right	2
Bottom Left	3
Bottom Right	4

Tighten the bolts to the specified torque values using a calibrated torque wrench. Avoid over-tightening, as this can damage the components.

Road Testing and Performance Evaluation

Once the new brake pads are installed, it’s essential to test the vehicle’s performance before driving at high speeds or in traffic. The following steps outline the road testing and performance evaluation process:

1. Initial Brake Application

Cautiously apply gentle pressure to the brake pedal to feel the initial bite and responsiveness of the new pads. Avoid hard braking or sudden stops.

2. Gradual Braking

Increase the braking force gradually, applying moderate pressure and observing the vehicle’s deceleration. Ensure the pads engage smoothly and progressively.

3. Hard Braking

Perform a few hard stops, simulating an emergency situation. The pads should provide sufficient stopping power and maintain stability.

4. Fade Resistance

Repeat hard braking several times in quick succession. The pads should resist fading and maintain their effectiveness under extreme conditions.

5. High-Speed Braking

Reach a higher speed (legally and safely) and perform a controlled, hard stop. Evaluate the pads’ ability to decelerate the vehicle from highway speeds.

6. Pedal Feel

Observe the feel of the brake pedal. It should be firm and responsive, providing adequate feedback to the driver.

7. Noise and Vibration

Listen for any excessive noise or vibration during braking. The pads should operate quietly and smoothly.

8. Steering Stability

During hard braking, the vehicle should maintain its stability and not pull to either side. The pads should provide even braking force on both sides of the vehicle.

9. Overall Performance

Overall, assess the overall performance of the new brake pads in various driving conditions. They should offer consistent, reliable, and safe braking.

10. Extended Evaluation

Drive the vehicle for longer distances and in different conditions (e.g., city, freeway, mountain roads) to thoroughly evaluate the brake pads’ performance and longevity. Monitor any changes or potential issues.

How to Change Brake Pads Porsche

Changing your brake pads is an important part of car maintenance. It’s also a relatively simple task that you can do yourself with the right tools and a little bit of know-how. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to change the brake pads on a Porsche:

Gather your tools and materials.

You will need a floor jack, jack stands, a lug wrench, a torque wrench, a socket set, and new brake pads.

Safety first.

Park your Porsche on a flat, stable surface. Engage the parking brake and put the car in park.

Loosen the lug nuts.

Do not remove them completely.

Raise the vehicle.

Place the floor jack under the designated jack point and raise the vehicle until there is approximately 6 inches of clearance between the ground and the tire.

Remove the lug nuts and wheel.
Remove the caliper mounting bolts.

There are typically two bolts that hold the caliper in place. Remove these bolts and carefully lift the caliper off the rotor.

Remove the old brake pads.

The brake pads are held in place by clips or pins. Remove these clips or pins and the brake pads will come out easily.

Clean and inspect the caliper and rotor.

Use a brake cleaner to clean the caliper and rotor. Inspect the rotor for any signs of damage. If the rotor is damaged, it will need to be replaced.

Install the new brake pads.

Make sure that the new brake pads are facing the correct direction. Insert the new brake pads into the caliper and secure them with the clips or pins.

Reinstall the caliper.

Carefully lower the caliper over the rotor and secure it with the mounting bolts.

Reinstall the wheel and lug nuts.
Lower the vehicle.
Tighten the lug nuts.

Use a torque wrench to tighten the lug nuts to the specified torque.

Pump the brake pedal.

This will help to seat the new brake pads.

Test the brakes.

Drive your Porsche slowly and test the brakes to make sure they are working properly.