Rusted Damper

[moosey]

2007 C2, went to change brakes and found that the dampers on both front calipers are completely rusted in. Tried using wd40 with no luck, it is the bigger and upper piston that is stuck. Looks like i have to replace both front brake calipers so i wanted to get confirmation on the procedure on how to do this. Do I just unscrew the line going directly into the caliper and plug in the new one?

As for bleeding I have never done this and wanted to know if it can be done on a 2007 997 C2 without bring it to the dealer and which is the best bleeder system to buy for this and procedure.

Thanks All!

[White987S]

Something does not seem right. About the "damper" being "rusted in". Explain better, please. Photos??

As for the brake fluid, use a power bleeder, don't need to go to the dealership.

[Uwon]

Moosey, I think that you mean what I call the anti squeal plates. I've gone through the same issue. I would imagine that the plugs are also rusted into the caliper pistons. You should get them out- I used some Rust Off but make sure it does not get onto the paint. I unscrewed the plate and reinstalled the screw and used them as a puller by canterlevering against the caliper edge (protected). Clean everything up, replace the plates which I believe come with the plugs. Use anti seize on the plugs.Bleeding is as per usual. Start with the corner furthest from the furthest away from the reservoir. Your better half will not like all the pumping so enlist a strong friend to keep the piece. Do both sides of each caliper starting with the furthest from the brake line. Don't forget to also bleed the clutch which is on the same network. Or, spend $60 an buy a power bleeder. It is full proof an easy to use.Good luck.http://www.pelicanparts.com/cgi-bin/ksearch/pel_search.cgi?SUPERCAT_FLAG=&make=&please_wait=N&forumid=&threadid=&command=DWsearch&description=Bleeder&I1.x=0&I1.y=0#

[Uwon]

To add. I use the PEL-0100 and it works really well. Wife quit!http://www.pelicanparts.com/cgi-bin/ksearch/PEL_search.cgi?command=show_part_page&please_wait=N&make=POR&model=997M&section=BRKhyd&page=2&bookmark=12&part_number=PEL-0100Cheers,.....

[moosey]

Something does not seem right. About the "damper" being "rusted in". Explain better, please. Photos??

As for the brake fluid, use a power bleeder, don't need to go to the dealership.

thanks , will post pics next week. I tried removing the aluminum stud that is rusted into the upper piston and the the screw holding damper plate striped. SO i tried to drill the screw out hoping the stud would come out and that did not word. Used pb blaster,wd40 with no results. So im going to replace both front calipers. Do you have anu write ups on reomving the calipers or can forward a link? I could not find on site when searching. Thanks to all of you with advice and suggestion you guys are the best!

[Uwon]

Moosey I would not bother replacing the calipers if they still work without dragging of pulling. In any event, you should just have them rebuilt rather than purchase new ones.

The dampers are only there to reduce vibration and noise. Operation and function would not be affected without the use of these dampers. On tracked cars especially, we in our club do not bother with the dampers at all.

The dampers are supposed to be glued to the back of the brake pads but usually the glue dries up and separates with time and heat recycling.

While on a call with my dealership on another matter, I spoke to my parts friend and he told me that their service guys try to save the dampers and plugs and usually re-glue them to new brake pads. By the way, the replacement brake pads from Porsche do have damper plates already glued on them (without plugs) and they apparently take these off and re-glue the ones with the plugs, if re-usable. Otherwise they give the customer the alternative to simply not replace the damper/plugs or just go with the new pads.

If I were you, I would leave the plug(s) that you cannot get out and either;

(1) re-install the brake pads without the dampers and see if you get any noise. I would carefully put some copper anti seize on the back of the pads and on the sliding pins. I did this on my rear brakes, driven from Ontario Canada to California and back without so much as a squeak.

(2) re-install the dampers using some anti seize on the remaining plug and between the plate and the back of the brake pads. I did this on my fronts again without any squeaking of vibration issues on my trip. Next time i need to service the fronts, I will not bother with the plates-I'll try as per #1, above or simply install new pads with dampers already glued on (no plugs).

Hope this helps. Cheers.......