Brake squeal ?

[itzbob46]

When I lightly place my foot on the brakes I hear some brake squeal. Harder foot pressure stops it. Quiet when coasting.

The Boxster has 32K on it and I purchased it at 28K, so I'm assuming the pads are original. I inspected them when the wheels were off, but since I don't know how thick new pads are, this can be misleading. This would appear too soon to replace brakes. Car was never raced to my knowledge.

Is this a normal brake squeal condtion or wear indicators sounding off??? I'd rather change pads early before rotors are damaged and save a unnecessary expense. Would be a DIY job.

Thanks, Bob

[rsfeller]

This is very much a DIY job. Porsche in their wisdom for making weekend racers made very easy brakes to R&R. You may have the original pads and the Boxster has wear indicators, which are little switches that will trigger the brake pad warning light on your dash when they become low. I changed my pads/rotors when I bought mine used and the sensors had not triggered the light yet.

You most likely have the "chatter" associated with the pads not having the seize/chatter grease on the back plates or they may be dry from age.

You need to determine the condition of the rotors & pads and figure out if it's worth to reapply the grease or simply replace pads (and/or rotors) which also requires the grease.

Sounds like brake pad chatter 101. some get it going forward, some backwards but it usually goes away with an increase in pedal pressure.

Edited April 21, 2008 by rsfeller

[itzbob46]

This is very much a DIY job. Porsche in their wisdom for making weekend racers made very easy brakes to R&R. You may have the original pads and the Boxster has wear indicators, which are little switches that will trigger the brake pad warning light on your dash when they become low. I changed my pads/rotors when I bought mine used and the sensors had not triggered the light yet.

You most likely have the "chatter" associated with the pads not having the seize/chatter grease on the back plates or they may be dry from age.

You need to determine the condition of the rotors & pads and figure out if it's worth to reapply the grease or simply replace pads (and/or rotors) which also requires the grease.

Sounds like brake pad chatter 101. some get it going forward, some backwards but it usually goes away with an increase in pedal pressure.

rsfeller, I think that you are right on about this. I forgot how annoying brake squeal can be as I've had it on other cars but only in reverse. It's really not too bad and I'll put up with it for a while until I change the brakes (maybe in the Fall before hibernation), and be sure to be attentive to the grease,, etc to eliminate the problem. I was just concerned that my rotors may be at risk. I really don't want to buy new ones when it's pad changing time.

Thanks, Bob