Porterfield brakes
Discussion
I heard the Porterfield brakes are less squeeky than the oem brakes. Today, this Indy shop that I take my Vantage to said he had bad experiences with them. He’s pretty experienced so I was surprised he said he didn’t like them. He said from his experience, the Porterfield brake pads actually squeak more if not just as much as the oem ones. He doesn’t recommend them. He recommends oem brake pads. Has anyone else had bad experience with Porterfield brakes?
I had them fitted all round about a month ago, (P4S) along with new front discs.
They probably haven't bedded in properly yet as I've only done around 150 miles on them with no hard use, but yes they squeak at low speeds when coming to a standstill, I'm hoping this disappears once they are fully settled in, I have noticed however that they don't create much dust which is an improvement over whatever was originally fitted.
They probably haven't bedded in properly yet as I've only done around 150 miles on them with no hard use, but yes they squeak at low speeds when coming to a standstill, I'm hoping this disappears once they are fully settled in, I have noticed however that they don't create much dust which is an improvement over whatever was originally fitted.
R4S pads are silent as long as they're properly installed. I've only had maybe 2 people come back to me saying they had squeal. One of those was because the person didn't use anti-squeal when installing them, don't think I ever heard why the other person had squeal.
If anti-squeal or at least shims (anti-squeal is more effective) isn't used, any brake pad will squeal.
If the pads aren't properly bedded in, they're far more likely to squeal even for silent pads like the R4S.
If your rotors aren't in good condition, that can contribute to squeal.
If the pads aren't chamfered, that can contribute to squeal.
If the braking components aren't cleaned when the pads are changed, that can contribute to squeal.
It is absolutely untrue that Porterfield R4S pads are as loud or louder than the OEM Pagid 4-2-2 pads so long as the above conditions are managed properly (true of any pad, not just the R4S).
If anti-squeal or at least shims (anti-squeal is more effective) isn't used, any brake pad will squeal.
If the pads aren't properly bedded in, they're far more likely to squeal even for silent pads like the R4S.
If your rotors aren't in good condition, that can contribute to squeal.
If the pads aren't chamfered, that can contribute to squeal.
If the braking components aren't cleaned when the pads are changed, that can contribute to squeal.
It is absolutely untrue that Porterfield R4S pads are as loud or louder than the OEM Pagid 4-2-2 pads so long as the above conditions are managed properly (true of any pad, not just the R4S).
I asked these questions and the shop owner, who is a master technician, said he did all these steps. He had to eat the costs because his customer came back and complained about the porterfields. He says oems are better.
I asked for a quote and he said about $1400 for the front brake pads and sensors and about $750 for the rear brake pads and sensors. About one hour of labor for each. Maybe he makes more money on the oem pads. I was quoted $300 for Porterfield front brake pads and $170 for rear brake pads. A lot cheaper than the oems.
I asked for a quote and he said about $1400 for the front brake pads and sensors and about $750 for the rear brake pads and sensors. About one hour of labor for each. Maybe he makes more money on the oem pads. I was quoted $300 for Porterfield front brake pads and $170 for rear brake pads. A lot cheaper than the oems.
I understand that most shops don’t want the customer to bring in their own parts. But a 2x mark up and “recommending” oem pads (due to higher markup potential), kind of sucks. Does anyone happen to know any other independent shops in the Southern California area that is familiar with Aston Martins that might be more amenable to Porterfield or letting customers bring in their own parts? I’m hestitant to take it to any shop due to the jacking points underneath the car. Thanks in advance!
Edited by klee168168 on Wednesday 10th April 22:53
Those prices seem crazy. If we're talking about a V8v, I'd buy a set of jacking pads (there's a thread on here about them) and you can acquire pads at autodoc at very very reasonable prices. The ones on my V8v cost me circa 50 UK pounds for the front and they are silent, low dust and came with new sensors which were compatible.
Fitting pads to an Aston, (once you have the jacking pads) is no different to any other car. You could buy some replacement pins in case they brake, but other than that, you can save a fortune over those prices...
Fitting pads to an Aston, (once you have the jacking pads) is no different to any other car. You could buy some replacement pins in case they brake, but other than that, you can save a fortune over those prices...
Stupid question of the day....
I need to order some Porterfield pads to be fitted with some OEM pads, however am stuck with the question about how many I need to order. The website says QTY 1 = one pair. So is that one pair for each caliper or a pair for the front? I tried calling but it rung out (will try again but in the meantime asking the collective PH wisdom).
My mechanic said "It may be worth calling them as for the rear I would assume you only need one box , but sometimes the fronts told 4 pads per side so may be two boxes. "
ETA - Got through to them and it is simply one front, one rear.
I need to order some Porterfield pads to be fitted with some OEM pads, however am stuck with the question about how many I need to order. The website says QTY 1 = one pair. So is that one pair for each caliper or a pair for the front? I tried calling but it rung out (will try again but in the meantime asking the collective PH wisdom).
My mechanic said "It may be worth calling them as for the rear I would assume you only need one box , but sometimes the fronts told 4 pads per side so may be two boxes. "
ETA - Got through to them and it is simply one front, one rear.
Edited by mx stu on Tuesday 1st October 11:37
Simpo Two said:
I chose Pagid (who apparently make other brands too). I get squealing AND dust.
Dust, and squealing, to an extent, are directly related to the pad material. Without going into gory detail, a competitive/aggressive pad (as is necessary for competitive driving/tracking and what the factory puts on and wants as replacements) WILL produce brake dust. They often squeal as well.For my DB11 V12, I converted all four corners to ceramic pads. Ceramic is not recommended for track/competitive driving; however, they're very good for street use and GT driving. I do NOT track my DB11 and I do not deal with dust or squealing at all. I've had ceramic pads on for a year and a half now. If I did decide to track my car, first step would be to return to factory pads which is guaranteed to both squeal and produce dust on a DB11.
skhannes said:
Simpo Two said:
I chose Pagid (who apparently make other brands too). I get squealing AND dust.
Dust, and squealing, to an extent, are directly related to the pad material. Without going into gory detail, a competitive/aggressive pad (as is necessary for competitive driving/tracking and what the factory puts on and wants as replacements) WILL produce brake dust. They often squeal as well.LTP said:
Simpo Two said:
These are - or should be - standard pads for everyday driving - ie stooging around in traffic, dodging potholes, setting the cruise to 70 etc.
The manufacturers have to fit pads that match the potential performance of the car - not what it's actually used for.mx stu said:
Stupid question of the day....
I need to order some Porterfield pads to be fitted with some OEM pads, however am stuck with the question about how many I need to order. The website says QTY 1 = one pair. So is that one pair for each caliper or a pair for the front? I tried calling but it rung out (will try again but in the meantime asking the collective PH wisdom).
My mechanic said "It may be worth calling them as for the rear I would assume you only need one box , but sometimes the fronts told 4 pads per side so may be two boxes. "
ETA - Got through to them and it is simply one front, one rear.
I fitted porterfield pads on both my vantages, they are sold by the axle, so 1 box will do both front wheels or 1 box will do the rears, John I need to order some Porterfield pads to be fitted with some OEM pads, however am stuck with the question about how many I need to order. The website says QTY 1 = one pair. So is that one pair for each caliper or a pair for the front? I tried calling but it rung out (will try again but in the meantime asking the collective PH wisdom).
My mechanic said "It may be worth calling them as for the rear I would assume you only need one box , but sometimes the fronts told 4 pads per side so may be two boxes. "
ETA - Got through to them and it is simply one front, one rear.
Edited by mx stu on Tuesday 1st October 11:37
LTP said:
Simpo Two said:
I can see that, but thought that the pads I bought would be for 'normal' driving. Are all brake pads that fit Astons designed for trackdays?
No, they're designed to stop a nearly 2-tonne car from close to 200 mph.Simpo Two said:
These are - or should be - standard pads for everyday driving - ie stooging around in traffic, dodging potholes, setting the cruise to 70 etc.
The problem is - the manufacturer of a high performance, track capable machine must only use the gear and wear items that perform under those most extreme conditions (yet statistically, probably only a very small number of any Astons end up ever seeing a track). Tires are another good example here. Back to brake pads, unless there was a detuned, lower performance version of a given model, the mfgr can only offer that model with one option (tires, brake pads, etc.)Once the car is sold to an individual, he/she can "re-option" the car to suit their needs, but there will be no suggestions or help from the mfgr or main dealers as they are obligated to equip the car to an expected peak performance. They cannot take my word that I only intend to drive the car on the streets and (I promise and cross my heart) I will never track it.
In my case, (and at over seven decades old) I simply have no intentions, now nor ever to track my car. Therefore, I've suited it to perform the best it can be for MY needs. That includes brakes, and tires too. Since I live in Florida, I am far more likely to unintentionally end up in a rain downpour that floods the street I might be driving on, so I've equipped my AM with All Season tires which can perform much better for me than any ultra tire option suitable for track performance.
Gassing Station | Aston Martin | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff