Checking the Brake System

Overview

Checking the brake system on your Porsche 944 is a key part of keeping it safe and reliable. This procedure helps you inspect the brake pads, rotors, calipers, and parking brake to catch wear or damage early. The 944, with its 16v engine, comes with wear indicators that light up on the dash when the pads are low, but they can fail, so regular checks—every 15,000 miles (24,140 km) or whenever the wheels are off—are a smart habit.

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Tools Required

• Metric wrench set (sizes like 13mm, 17mm depending on bolts)
• Metric socket set (sizes like 13mm, 17mm depending on bolts)
• Jack stands
• Floor jack

Parts Required

None (unless replacement is needed after inspection: brake pads 944 351 951 03 for front, 944 352 951 03 for rear)

Required Additional Procedures

Steps in these procedures are required to complete this process:

• Parking Brake Adjustment

Step-by-Step Procedure

Step 1: Prepare the Vehicle

1. Use a floor jack to lift the Porsche 944 safely.
2. Place jack stands under the car at the recommended points to secure it.
3. Remove all four wheels using a 19mm wrench to access the brake system.

Step 2: Inspect the Front and Rear Disc Brakes

4. Look at the brake caliper from the side. You’ll see the brake pad and rotor through the opening.
5. Measure the brake pad lining thickness—the distance from the metal backing plate to the rotor surface—using a ruler or caliper.
6. Check if the lining is at or below 2 mm (5/64 inch). Porsche suggests replacing pads if they’re under 2.5 mm (3/32 inch) due to rivet differences on the 944.
7. If measuring is tricky, pull the brake pad out of the caliper and measure the lining directly.
8. Look over the brake calipers, hoses, and fittings for leaks, cracks, or wear. Replace anything damaged as needed.

Step 3: Test the Parking Brake

9. Park the car on a steep hill with the transmission in neutral.
10. Engage the parking brake and see if it holds the car still.
11. If it doesn’t hold, adjust it. Follow this link to ensure this step—Parking Brake Adjustment—is followed accurately.
12. If it still fails after adjustment, remove the rear rotors and check the parking brake pads. Replace them if worn (pads 944 352 951 03).

Post Procedure Checklist

• Confirm all wheels are back on and tightened to 130 Nm (96 ft-lbs) with a torque wrench.
• Check for any brake fluid leaks around calipers and hoses.
• Test the parking brake on a hill to ensure it holds.
• Verify the brake pad wear indicator light on the dash isn’t on (if pads were replaced).

Sources

• Clark’s Garage
• Pelican Parts
• Porsche 944 Workshop Manual, Volume 1
• Youtube