As Macster said you don't want to cut the wear sensors at all. Just find a secure place for it. I thought all Hawk pads came with a sensor spot but I guess not. I learn something new everyday

 

As Macster said you don't want to cut the wear sensors at all. Just find a secure place for it.

OK. Thanks for the tip guys. Will try and do that.

I thought all Hawk pads came with a sensor spot but I guess not. I learn something new everyday

Those slots where I tried to attach the sensor certainly seemed like it's supposed to take the wear sensor. It looks only a millimeter or so to small. Will have to take a good look at what these slots look like on the OEM pads.

 

It has been some time since I last did the brakes on my Boxster but I do not recall any slots.

What I remember is a hole drilled parallel to the pad backing plate into which the sensor probe fit.

The fit was not that tight but it was snug.

The hole into which the sensor probe fits may appear undersize because of some burr make it look that way.

Also, the sensor probe may compress some -- that is it is springy -- to help hold it secure in the hole.

 

Quick update. The brake pads are in at the moment. The rear pads fitted perfectly and also fitted the wear sensors. They fit/look OME. So happy with those.

The fronts are also in, but besides not being able to fit the wear sensors (as mentioned earlier), they also don't fit the anti-rattle clip on top. ie. the top of the pads sticks out and hence the does not fit. As it is I'm running without them at the front. Has anyone else come across this? If so, is there a workaround?

The front pads make a lot of clanging noises. They also squeal under light braking ... so not happy with them at the moment. Rears seem good.

 

Based on what you described (without pictures) it sounds like you may need the different brake pad springs. There are actually two types: one from 996 Turbo and another from 997 Carerra S. If the pads you got have a more squared top, you'll need to get yourself the longer spring clips. Have a look at this:

http://www.suncoastparts.com/product...erSbrakesstock

BTW, you should really get the retaining clips put back on.

 

it sounds like you may need the different brake pad springs. There are actually two types: one from 996 Turbo and another from 997 Carerra S.

My car came with the shorter one ... I think from 997. See below for what my new Hawk (front) pads look like. Do you think the other /longer retaining clip will fit these? How do I find out / check?



you should really get the retaining clips put back on.

I would like to. The sound alone is driving me mad ... sounds like something is loose / broken in there.

 

Yup... Looks like you need the longer retaining springs. Local dealer sells the for about $80 - 90. if you can wait couple day... Buy them from suncoast. Btw, i have no idea if it is safe to drive the car without those things on the brakes... And considering brakes are the only thing that will stop your car from hitting something or someone... I would either not drive it or put the old pads and springs on until these new springs arrive.

 

Yup... Looks like you need the longer retaining springs.

Thanks. Just ordered the 996 clip from Suncoast ... along with another set of front pads just in case these ones do not get any better. This time I ordered the Spyder pads in hope I don't have problems like this.

i have no idea if it is safe to drive the car without those things on the brakes... And considering brakes are the only thing that will stop your car from hitting something or someone... I would either not drive it or put the old pads and springs on until these new springs arrive.

I've been told that race cars run without these retaining clips. But I agree with you ... it does not feel right or safe. The noises from the front, like there's something loose don't sound safe, and even if they were, I can't stand them.

 

some times the squealing noise is from vibration on the pad. I typically use something like disc brake quiet... put a coating on the back plate and that usually helps. The spring will keep the pad from shifting in the caliper, thus causing vibration and resulting in noise. The brake quiet stuff will dampen the vibration at lower speed.

 

THe front Hawk pads never got any better. They were unbearable ... lot's of rattling and lots of squealing at all times!! So I replaced them with the pads for Spyder. Perfect fit, and no more rattling.

Though, I still get some squeal. It's nowhere as bad anymore, but I will have to figure out if it's coming from all 4 wheels ... or just the rear ones (where I still have Hawk pads).