How to fix squealing Porsche breaks, and what causes it.

By Tom on Tuesday, March 1, 2022

Here at Design 911, we get a lot of questions about irksome brake squeals.

Perhaps surprisingly, it can be a semi-common issue regardless of what model you own, due to the fact that the Porsche braking system is oftentimes high performance-based – which is to be expected with a sports-driven company.

This of course has its benefits, for instance, if you’re ragging your Porsche at high speeds or taking it out for a track day, but in less demanding day-to-day usage, the ardent nature of typical Porsche brakes can cause that oh so unwelcome squeal to rise from under the chassis.

While this is not the only reason for whiney brakes, as it can also be provoked by general wear to the brakes, it is more times than not simply down to the formatting of the factory build and is not a sign to be of any significant concern.

So why exactly do Porsche brakes make that sound?

In order to keep this answer simple, we need to refer to vibrations caused by the car in different parts.

When there is rough abrasion between the brake pad and brake rotor, it can cause heat to transfer haphazardly leading to uneven levels of friction amongst the surface of the pad, resulting in a sort of grasp and release action. This, in the end, causes vibrations that spread themselves throughout the brakes in radicalised movement, leading to the vibration of the brake rotor (and subsequently also vibrations of areas like the caliper).

Long story short, these vibrations are what cause that irritating wail to occur when pressing on the brakes.

So, with that in mind, here are our top brand picks and products to help turn that squeal into a lulling silent stop.

Replacement brakes

Brembo Brakes

Brembo is the world leader in the design, development and production of braking systems and components for cars, motorbikes, and industrial vehicles.

Here are examples of Brembo replacement brakes available.

Brake pads, Front. Porsche 981

Brake pads set of 4 for one axle.

You can shop it here.

Brembo GT Big Brake Kit (Front)

Brembo GT (Gran Tourismo) Brake Kits

Discs: 380×32 DRILLED

Caliper type: M 6 Pistons Cast Monobloc

Kit Contains:

2 x Brake Disc Size: 380×32

Brake Disc Type: 2-Piece DRILLED

2 x Brake Calipers Type: M Pistons: 6

1 x Brake pads set

2 x Stainless steel Brake Hose

1 x Fitting brackets & bolts

This line is dedicated to the most demanding customers.

This braking system originates from the Racing components, consisting of a ventilated, integral or composite disc, available drilled or slotted, 4, 6 and 8 piston aluminium calipers, a complete set of high-performance brake pads, metal braid tubes and high-quality small parts.

You can shop it here.

You can find Brembo brake replacements for all models here.

EBC Brakes

A world leader in the manufacture of innovative brake pads and discs for anything on or off-road.

Here are examples of EBC replacement brakes available.

EBC Standard Brake Discs FRONT

EBC is proud to be one of the only companies selling a British manufactured brake disc programme. Our high-quality grey iron includes copper to increase thermal conductivity and wear properties. All EBC Premium Discs are cast to a material strength of 150 N/m2 with a tightly controlled surface hardness variation less than 20 HB and are precision CNC machined to a surface tolerance of less than 0.001 mm. So you see this is no cheap import brake disc. These brake discs have the highest integrity and product quality on the aftermarket. An OE quality replacement disc, made of the finest grade steel and a perfect replacement disc for any car.

FRONT Discs: D1064

– Type: VENTED

– Diameter: 318mm

– Height: 64mm

– Thickness New / Min: 28 / 26

Sold as SET OF 2 discs.

You can shop it here.

EBC Ultimax Slotted Brake Discs FRONT

EBC Ultimax Brake Discs The latest super quiet slot pattern for prestige and premium cars requiring discs that are almost totally silent featuring the latest chemically applied corrosion-resistant black finish. This black coating has been tested with the industry standard salt spray test and proven to last anywhere between 2 and 5 years depending on conditions and represents the ultimate in disc rust prevention. Please note: The illustration shows a disc after it has been used for a period of time and the pad has rubbed off the black coating in the braking area.

Made in Europe and machined using a high-quality alloy that is capable of running up to incredibly high temperatures. These discs are intended for Road, light race, rally and track day use.

FRONT Discs: USR1325

– Type: VENTED

– Diameter: 330mm

– Height: 68mm

– Thickness New / Min: 32 / 30

Sold as SET OF 2 discs.

You can shop it here.

You can find EBC brake replacements for all models here.

Black Diamond Brakes

Since its launch in 1992, the Black Diamond performance brake disc and pad range has gone from strength to strength. The first fast car test in 1995 in which black diamond was awarded the win against all the other major brands, it became clear that all the design and testing work prior to the launch was so very worthwhile and continues today.

Here are examples of Black Diamond replacement brakes available.

Black Diamond CROSS DRILLED Performance Brake Discs FRONT

FRONT Discs: KBD 150

– Type: CROSS DRILLED

– Diameter: 282.5 mm

– Thickness New / Min: 20.5 / 19.1

Black Diamond Drilled Discs are engineered and made using Computer-Aided Design (CAD) and manufacturing to ensure they are finished to the most exacting standards.

The 5 rows of cross-drilled holes expel heat and gases quicker than a normal disc and allow extra cooling. This means the pad is less likely to glaze over, more fade-resistant, and the rest of the brake system is put under less pressure from the cooler temperatures.

The unique compound and heat treatment after machining combine to provide awesome braking performance that will improve stopping power and give longer-lasting durability.

You can shop it here.

Black Diamond CROSS DRILLED & GROOVED Performance Brake Discs FRONT

FRONT Discs: KBD 150

– Type: CROSS DRILLED & GROOVED (COMBI)

– Diameter: 282.5 mm

– Thickness New / Min: 20.5 / 19.1

Black Diamond Combi Discs are engineered and made using Computer-Aided Design (CAD) and manufacturing to ensure they are finished to the most exacting standards.

The Black Diamond Combi discs feature 12 curved radial grooves on each disc face with machined holes in between each groove for excellent heat dissipation and cooling. This combination of machined surfaces also helps to de-glaze the pads, offering greater friction under hard braking conditions and making them less likely to fade. The result is a better pedal feel and improved brake response.

The unique compound and heat treatment after machining combine to provide awesome braking performance that will improve stopping power and give longer-lasting durability.

You can shop it here.

You can find Black Diamond brake replacements for all models here.

Replacement brake pads

Brembo Brake Pads

Here is an example of a Brembo replacement brake pad that is available.

Brembo Sport brake pads

Tested to the highest levels on the track with decelerations from 270kph (168mph) the HP2000 material is capable of operating in the most demanding conditions.

With excellent cold performance & bite, high resistance to fade, frictional stability throughout all operating conditions, reduced pad & disc wear and low dust levels, the all-new HP2000 friction material offer significant advantages over its rivals.

Designed to be a direct replacement for the Original Equipment (OE) pads the Brembo sport pad comes with the exact same specification as the OE pad including (where applicable): fitted wear leads, slots for separate wear leads and anti-rattle clips with the added benefit of anti-noise shims on every pad.

Combine all of this with competitive pricing and UNECE R90 approval across the full range (making them street legal) and you get a true high-performance brake pad fit for the road.

Sold as a set of 4 pads for one axle.

You can shop it here.

You can find Brembo brake pad replacements for all models here.

Textar Brake Pads

Textar offers the widest range of products and services for commercial vehicles and passenger cars currently built in the market.

From pads and discs to brake fluids and copper-free lubricants, we offer a full braking solution.

Here is an example of a Textar replacement brake pad that is available.

Brake pads, Rear

Brake pads set of 4 for one axle.

You can shop it here.

You can find Textar brake pad replacements for all models here.

Pagid Brake Pads

The official account of PAGID Racing, the benchmark for maximum braking performance.

Power, durability and quality for the most extreme requirements.

Here is an example of a Pagid replacement brake pad that is available.

PAGID RS Fast Road and Race Brake Pads

PAGID Racing RS compounds are developed to comply with the latest requirements in racing and meet or surpass all current ecological standards of the automotive industry.

RS 42 is a low metallic resin bonded material containing steel and aramid fibers. The characteristics make this material appropriate for small formula cars.

• MEDIUM FRICTION COEFFICIENT

• MEDIUM INITIAL BITE

• GOOD COLD FRICTION

APPLICATION RANGE: Classic rally pad and also very popular in small formula and touring cars.

RS 44 works for formula cars all the way up to lighter passenger cars. It is a low metallic resin bonded material containing steel and aramid fibers. The smooth progression of friction from cold to hot makes this material easy to work with.

• MEDIUM FRICTION COEFFICIENT

• MEDIUM INITIAL BITE

• EXCELLENT MODULATION

APPLICATION RANGE: Very good rear axle pad for all front-engine cars. Very popular club racing compound.

RS 14 features good all-round characteristics for many applications. It is a low metallic resin bonded material containing steel and aramid fibres.

• MEDIUM-HIGH FRICTION COEFFICIENT

• GOOD INITIAL BITE

• VERY GOOD MODULATION AND CONTROLLABILITY

• LOW WEAR RATE AND FADE RESISTANCE UP TO 700°C

APPLICATION RANGE: GT cars, Touring cars for club racing and track days.

Sold as a set of 4 pads for one axle.

You can shop it here.