Having searched the forums without finding what I want to know, I throw myself on the mercy of the court. Please help!

I bought my 996TT model year 2001 second hand with 15K miles in March 2003. It's now got 25K miles on it and as far as I can tell it's on the original brake rotors.

Now the car has always had "spongy" feel to the brakes from my point of view. In the last few times I've driven the car I've noticed the brake fade is significant when braking hard. So the car needs new pads at least. A quick look at the front rotors shows the rotors have a "lip" top and bottom and some small grooves on the face of the rotor.

 

After having a look at these photos do you agree that I'm going to need replacement rotors?

Now if I do need to replace the rotors, what is the expert opinion on the best rotors to go with for a pure street car (never taken to the track)? Just refit OEM Porsche rotors or go a larger size? I find that my enjoyment of driving a street car is enhanced quite a bit by really good brakes, but I'm not sure what makes sense for this car, opinions please.

 

looks like your rotors are fine.

search some threads of "rotor crack" and you'll see that as long as the hole cracks don't connect or if they don't go to the outside edge, then you are good.

i would recommend staying with your current brakes & upgrading fluid & possibly lines, since its just street driven.

 

If you want to change your brakes can I keep your lipped, "worn out", old ones? Please?...

They're FINE! Just check if the pads are less than say 50%/40% and replaced them, use a sand paper to de-glaze the rotors, do some proper bleeding, clean the rotors holes and you're ready to go.

 

Feeling much better about things now! :-)

Thanks for the info guys.

 

These Discs are virtually mint, could be needing a good old bleed and at the same time pop some decent fluid in there!

 

I had a kinda mushy pedal also with 29k miles on it. I just had my brake fluid flushed and replaced, and the pedal now feels very solid and tight.

 

some motul600, SS lines, and new pads and your brakes will feel new and perform better!

 

exactly!!

motul rbf 600 is some awesome brake fluid!

 

I'm assuming you have no engine upgrades? In which case the stock brakes are fine..If you're planning to upgrade go with the Stoptech 6 pistons..great value for the money, and literally "stop on a dime."

 

I run the Motul 600 also and am very happy , but I am interested in the SS lines. What do you think of them? I know they firm up the pedal but it doesnt make it rock hard... does it? What brand do you use. Thanks, Kevin

 

stainless brake lines will provide a more consistent, solid brake feel, instead of the mushy feeling (as long as you don't boil your fluid).

it won't be "rock hard" per se, but it will provide a confident & solid feel of braking.

 

stock rotors and pads with a good flush are fine for really any kind of "street" driving that you will encounter. the SS lines are a nice touch but not necessary IMHO, but all that poser says is good info.

 

does anyone have any empirical data if aftermarket brake kits actually stop faster? obviously, i can understand they are better in a track situation; but are they really better on the street where you might do 1-2 quick stops but not repeated stops?

- chuck

 

Chuck.. try out my GTR's... The difference is funny!