Boxster S brake pad source?

[BoxyLady]

Hi folks,

Picking up my 2002 S tonight. during the Porsche Certification process today, they mentioned to me that the front pads are at 50% life, which is fine for cert. They gave me the option to get them replaced while it was on the rack.....$555 plus tax........just for front pads.......and they are not even carbon fiber :D

Now I know I am buying a Porsche and I understand what that means for service($$$$), but come on.

it got me to thinking. when I do have to replace them, I plan on doing it myself. I change my Corvette Z06 brakes all the time, so I am familiar with the process.

My question: is there a ceramic pad alternative to the OEM's in order to avoid the dusting that hides those beautiful Brembo calipers?

I run ceramics on my Z06 for street use and I can't detect any less braking performance than with the factory pads.

Finally, where is a good source for Boxster S ceramic pads?

thanks very much!!

Edited October 13, 2005 by BoxyLady

[LVDell]

Front pads through the board sponsor here (Sunset Imports) sells at dealer cost plus 15%. $103 for the front pads plus $20 if you want the vibration dampeners. Install can be done yourself in less than 30 minutes. Brakes are very simple on these cars.

What concerns me is that they wanted to charge you $550!!! List price on Genuine Porsche parts is $145 for the set of front pads and the dampeners list at $8 (need four of them). So roughly $175 in parts for fornt pads. By that measure they are charging you 3-5 hours for install (depending on their hourly rate) which is INSANE! I can't imagine the TU's listed in the dealers books as more than 2 hours.

[adsach]

BoxyLady - lots to read under Suspension, Brakes and Wheels forum

http://www.renntech.org/forums/index.php?showforum=100

[BoxyLady]

Front pads through the board sponsor here (Sunset Imports) sells at dealer cost plus 15%.  $103 for the front pads plus $20 if you want the vibration dampeners.  Install can be done yourself in less than 30 minutes.  Brakes are very simple on these cars.

What concerns me is that they wanted to charge you $550!!!  List price on Genuine Porsche parts is $145 for the set of front pads and the dampeners list at $8 (need four of them).  So roughly $175 in parts for fornt pads.  By that measure they are charging you 3-5 hours for install (depending on their hourly rate) which is INSANE!  I can't imagine the TU's listed in the dealers books as more than 2 hours.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Thanks folks! I will definitely order from a supporting vendor, and will check out the thread supplies as well. Yea, $550 PLUS tax. And I was sure to confirm that was just for the front, pads only, no rotors. they said YES......

I mean Chevrolet dealer service can rip you off with the best of 'em, but at least they only wanted $435 for pads on my Z06, but that was for front and back....I started doing my own brakes on that car last year......easiest way to save big bucks that I know of...

thanks!

[Highlander]

Crazy thing is, pads on a Boxster are by far the easiest to change on any vehicle I have ever owned. It takes longer to get the car up and the wheels off than it does to actually swap out the pads.

To see just how easy it is, check out these great and comprehensive instructions put together by Trygve Isaacson:

http://www.bombaydigital.com/boxster/proje...es/change_pads/

Check Porsche Pete's Boxster Board site for great Boxster info and general socialising:

http://www.ppbb.com/board/986board.htm

and if you plan on autocrossing or tracking your new toy, the Boxster Racing Board:

http://www.iq.dynip.com/~racing/index.cgi

Graeme