Greetings all,

Getting my 36k mile service done and the dealer has informed me that it’s time to get my rear brakes done (they’re at 4mm). I fully intend to order some Porterfield R4-S pads, but should I stick with OEM rotors? What are the pros and cons for going aftermarket for them and what are some of y’all’s experiences?

 

If you want to lose a bit of weight, look at VAP’s two-piece rotors.
https://www.jaguarforums.com/forum/f...cityap-269805/

 

Has anyone used the VAP rotors over a long period?

 

There’s no way in hell your rotors are in need of replacement. If you’re going to be using the R4S pads you can forgo a new rotor surface.

 

I was thinking that. 35k miles is not a lot at ALL for new rotors….thinking I’ll just do the brake pads. My fronts are at 6mm but I may as well do both sets now.

 

Others have said that rotors on the F are OK for TWO sets of pads.

New rear pads are only ~17 - 18 mm thick.

Besides, there are wear indicators! When the indicator comes on, do the replacement then (unless you track the car). 'Course you are supposed to replace the single sensor at that time, only $7 - $24 at Rock Auto...


EDIT: saw your timely response, yes replace both F&R when the time comes.

 

Sounds good to me. I’ll definitely go for the VAP rotors when it’s time though. It looks like all upside compared to OEM.

 

The VAP rotors are made by Girodisc which has been in the business a long time. I agree with new rotors aren't needed, but I got the same song and dance on mine with 23k miles, they "recommended" changing the fronts. I replaced all 4 with the Porterfield pads for maybe $400 more than what the dealership quoted. A LOT less dust, and less mass, has to be a win/win.

 

If you're changing to such a different pad compound, do all four corners. I wouldn't run a mix. The initial bite is very different between the two.

 

Very +1.

jb

 

Resurrecting this thread for another question, have any of you guys replaced just the pads on already-used rotors? I’m confident the rotors have a lot more life in them but I just want to ask if anyone has had any issues with pulsing brakes or anything that could go wrong with replacing pads and not rotors.

 

If you'll be using the Porterfield R4-S pad you will not have a problem. Also shouldn't have a problem with a ceramic compound. Semi metallic is where you'll have problems with noise. The R4-S pad is no noise, low dust and very rotor friendly. They are a bit different in that there isn't that BMW like initial grab (that I hate) that makes smooth braking so difficult. If you need to brake harder, just push harder on the brake pedal, I've not experienced any fade in street use. Very easy to modulate. They are not a track pad though. And on a highway run in the cold rain if you haven't touched the brakes for a bit it'll take a second for the pads to engage. That'll get your attention if you're not expecting it.

 

Solid. I spoke to a few indie shops to get them installed and they almost all said “oh man with this car you just wanna use the OEM stuff, you’ll have issues with squealing and vibrations if you change the pads”. None of them were jag-specialists so that’s why I’m asking you guys. Thanks for the info! Hoping the rotors last another 25k miles or so.

 

Shops have an incentive to sell a “complete” brake job. Additional parts help profitability of course but also they don’t want call backs. Unless they also do Austin Martin’s they probably are not aware of Porterfield even existing. I have 90,000 miles on the F Type R. 40,000 miles on Porterfiellds. I don’t anticipate having to change anything for another 20,000 miles.

 

I can corroborate that. I told one of the guys they were Porterfield pads and he had no idea what I was talking about. Definitely a niche brand where if you know, you know but otherwise not so much.