355 Squeaking Brakes... Any suggestions? I just had them replaced and they seem to be getting worse! Thanks for the suggestions! Hank
#1, 348 and 355 brake pads are directional. Install them backwards and they'll squeak. #2, warped rotors will squeak. Get them turned down. #3, you want brake pads that aren't prone to squeaking such as Axxis Metal Master pads.
Mine squeak like hell too (but only sometimes), not sure what pads are on them. I've lived with noisy race pads on other cars so I don't mind too much...
Hank, what pads? The factory ones are known to squeal pretty bad. I would recommend the Porterfield R4S, though there are other good pads out there too. I've used the Axxis Metal Master in applications other than Ferrari and they worked pretty good and did not squeal.
AXXIS pads are the best!!! Low dust, No noise, don't need warming up and don't fade......!!!! Everyone whom I recommended these to, loves them and has thanked me for the tip !!
I wouldn't and don't use anything else. The porterfield pads were supposed to be great, but recently they changed the R4S chemical compounds and in so doing screwed the pooch. No reason to use the new Porterfields at $100+ when the old Axxis pads at $50/pair are better.
Thanks gothspeed! I'm going to find out on Thursday what type of pads they used. I'm also going to get them changed to Axxis Pads if that's not what they used. I don't think I could get used to it... There is nothing like pulling into a crowded parking lot and everyone is looking at you when you pull in and then you hit the brakes and it scares the heck out of everyone!!! Mine are very loud and it's really embarassing... Thanks for the tips! Hank
You will not regret it!!!! Don't let anyone talk you out of them and into spending more money on others...... if you don't like them I will buy them from you!!! Just make sure they are genuine AXXIS they have a "metal master and deluxe" either is good but I prefer the Deluxe, they don't wear your rotors as much and work just as well
Get the rotors turned down at the same time that you swap pads. Warped rotors will squeak (and potentially ruin) even the best pads. No connection to them, but for whatever it's worth I buy my Axxis pads from here: http://www.buybrakes.com/store/45-06080M
Honestly, where do you get your information? This is absolutely not true, and I spoke with Tim Porterfield about it in detail yesterday. The R4S compound has not changed whatsoever. Porterfields are $85 per box, 2 boxes will do the whole car. Hank... you're local to me. Come on over and I'll give you a set gratis for your car. Regarding Axxis pads, I run Axxis Deluxe Plus in my daily drivers, and they are good pads -- very very low dust. In my opinion, they are not stout enough for the way I drive my Ferrari so I'll stick with Porterfield, EBC, and Brembo as the brands of choice.
Thanks Daniel! I'm going to check and see what they used on my car since I just had them replaced 3 weekd ago. I'll get up with you next week... Hank
Hank, Bought my 355 s few months ago. It had the stock brakes. They were in good shape but sqeeked and squeeled and left SO much brake dust. I swtiched to the Porterfeilds and instantly the problem was solved. Very good stopping, no noise and no dust. Danny
+1 Porterfield R4S. Great street pad for the aggressive driver. No noise at all, though I did put some 'anti-squeek' compound on the backing plates to make sure I didn't have a problem. My stock pads were horrible, I replaced them despite having lots of meat left. The R4S will not hold up to real track use however. A fast driver will over heat them in just a few laps.
Correct. Porterfield offers R4 for the track, and there are additional track compounds such as R4E depending on the event you're running.
Try the AXXIS deluxe.... unless you are going racing they are the best IMO..... As I said if you don't like them, I will buy them from you... and everyone reading this is witness .
Okay on this I have some personal experience....DO NOT USE THE AXXIS DELUXE PLUS on your 355! (Btw, there are three or four different formulations that Axxis makes, the Deluxe, Deluxe Plus, Metal Master and Ultimate. Each is a step higher in braking performance.) I have used the Deluxe Plus on my previous 87 328 GTS and they worked quite well, along with upgrading to Goodridge stainless steel braided brake lines. (I I even had them installed on my BMW 540 M-Sport "daily driver") But I do not think these pads would be appropriate for a 355. I did install the Porterfield R4S on my 355 and noticed an immediate improvement in initial "bite" and better pedal feel, and modulation. Since then, I have had three friends with 355's also install R4S and have also been very pleased with the improvement. I will install R4S on my BMW very shortly, as I like them that much. If you must use Axxis, go with the Metal Master, they are a decent pad, at least equal to the factory oem 355 pad. But understand it is a very old design, heck I used them in my souped up VW Rabbit back in the early 1980's! But I continued to use them up until the late 1990's. I hear the Ultimate can have squeal issues, but I have no personal experience with them, so take that with a grain of salt...
They were called repco in the 80's...... they are made in Australia that should end all concerns right there.... right Pap???? BTW Mr. Rection are you offering a buy back on the porterhouse pads????
+2 I bought my pads and stainless steel braided lines for my BMW 540 from Dave Zeckhausen too!! He's a great and helpful person, just like Daniel at Ricambi!
Zeckhausen is a neat little operation. It's funny how we could all probably get our Axxis pads at a big retailer, but choose to deal with an enthusiast like Dave. The price might even be higher at Zeckhausen, but it's fun to deal with fellow Bimmer heads and he'll get my business as long as he's around. Next step: Deluxe Plus for my Mini Cooper, which dusts like there's no end in sight.
