Quick answer: Front Brake Pad Replacement on a 2011–2018 Porsche Cayenne is rated Moderate and takes about 2-3 hours. You'll need 10 tools for this job, and parts cost about $205. This guide walks you through the full job step by step, including the mistakes to avoid.
| Part Name |
Part Number |
Price |
Buy |
| Front Brake Pads |
TRQ BFA19817 |
$150.00 |
|
| Brake Pad Wear Sensors |
TRQ BFA19817S |
$30.00 |
|
| Brake Pad Hardware Kit |
TRQ BFA19817HK |
$25.00 |
|
About prices: shown prices are typical retail averages and change frequently; cheaper alternatives may be available. Confirm the current price before buying.
💡 Pro tip: Order all parts at once to save on shipping
Step-by-Step Instructions
Follow these steps carefully
1
Loosen lugs and raise the vehicle
The pads are prepared for pad wear sensors. You'll need: pads, wear sensor, standard tools. The fixed calipers are different from sliding — the procedure varies. Loosen lugs, jack up the heavy Cayenne, support with high-capacity stands.
🔧 Mechanic's note — Ray Delgado
In my experience, that 'Sensor Included: No' in the parts listing is real — the wear sensor is a separate part. Order it with the pads or you'll have the caliper apart twice, and the dash will nag you about the missing sensor.
2
Remove the wheel
Remove the front wheel. Check for the wear sensor wire — the pads are 'prepared for' the sensor, meaning there's a slot for it. Note the fixed caliper's mounting — it's bolted rigidly to the knuckle.
3
Remove the caliper
Remove the Brembo fixed caliper mounting bolts. The fixed caliper is heavy — support it. Do NOT hang it by the hose. Once unbolted, lift it off the rotor. The Brembo's pistons are on both sides — note the pad arrangement.
4
Remove old pads and hardware
Remove the old pads from the Brembo caliper. If there's a wear sensor, unclip it from the old pad — you'll transfer it or install a new one. Inspect the rotor for scoring or minimum thickness.
5
Compress the piston
Retract the pistons in the Brembo fixed caliper. Do NOT cock the pistons by pushing one side only. If any are seized, the caliper needs professional rebuilding — Brembos are precision and not DIY rebuild candidates for most.
🔧 Mechanic's note — Tom Becker
I've found that retract all the pistons together and evenly — pushing one side on an opposed-piston Brembo cocks the others and scores the bores. If any piston is seized, that caliper goes to a professional rebuilder, not your bench.
6
Clean and install hardware
Clean the Brembo caliper thoroughly. Install the new pads — ensure they're correct for the fixed Brembo. Install the wear sensor into the new pad if your Cayenne uses one. Ensure the pads seat flat against the pistons. The Brembo's pad fitment is precise.
7
Install new pads and caliper
Position the Brembo fixed caliper over the rotor with the new pads. Reinstall the mounting bolts to Porsche spec. Ensure the caliper is centered. Pump the pedal to seat the pads — with multiple pistons, it takes several pumps. Verify the pads are seated evenly.
8
Refit wheel and pump the pedal
Reinstall the wheel and torque to Porsche spec in a star pattern. Lower the Cayenne. Bed the Brembo pads per the manufacturer's procedure — critical for performance brakes. Test drive: the Cayenne's Brembos should feel incredibly strong. Verify no warning light (wear sensor). The 958 Cayenne's fixed Brembos are excellent — ensure they're working evenly. If the pedal feels soft, there may be air — bleed if needed.
All Done!
Test your repair before closing everything up. If something doesn't work right, double-check your steps.
⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid
- • Not properly securing the vehicle with jack stands before starting the repair.
- • Failing to compress the caliper pistons fully, making it difficult to install new pads.
- • Over-tightening caliper bolts, potentially damaging the caliper or bracket.
