Originally Posted by Breakthru

I recently bought a 99 996 C2, and noticed a squeaking sound everytime i would apply the brakes. Before i heard the squeaking, i could smell something hot. I am guessing it's my brake pads. I have 29k miles.

This car has been in the bay area, not driven much until i got hold of her, but i am guessing it varies from car to car and how much you drive. Anyone have any idea what are ideal pads to use for good stopping power?

Thanks.

Originally Posted by himself

I don't agree that you should use gearing to slow the car (i.e., engine brake). The braking system on a Porsche [and virtually every car ever made] is the strongest mechanical system. It is designed to do one thing, brake. And it does that very well.

Brake pads are sooooo cheap compared to new transmissions and new engines, IMO, there is NO reason to even temp fate by engine braking. Put another way, if you are putting unnecessary strain on your $10,000 engine or your $5,000 transmission to make your $200 brake pads last longer, you might have your priorities a bit off.

Back to your original question. What type of pads do you have? Some pads have shorter life cycles than others based on compound. I think that 20,000 miles is a bit low for OEM pads, but all pads are used up a little faster in stop and go traffic, especially in the NYC area. Your driving style may have something to do with it, but I would suspect it was conditions more than anything.

-td