The 987 uses cross-drilled, internally vented steel discs as standard, with the carbon-ceramic PCCB system available as an option on S models.
Steel brakes by variant
- Base: smaller front discs, new thickness 24 mm with a 22 mm wear minimum; rear new 20 mm / min 18 mm.
- S models: larger front discs, new 28 mm / min 26 mm; rear new 24 mm / min 22 mm, with four-piston aluminium monobloc fixed calipers up front.
The minimum thickness is stamped on the disc hat; measure against it rather than guessing. Replace pads at roughly 2-3 mm of remaining friction material. The focused Cayman R and Boxster Spyder use the S-derived brakes with lighter components.
PCCB (Porsche Ceramic Composite Brakes)
PCCB is the optional carbon-ceramic system, identified by its yellow calipers. The silicon-carbide discs are far lighter than steel, cutting unsprung and rotating mass, and they resist fade well with long life under normal road use.
The catch is cost: PCCB is very expensive to replace, can chip, and track use shortens its life dramatically — so a used 987 with worn ceramics can hide a large replacement bill. For mostly-road cars the steel brakes are excellent and far cheaper to maintain. Exact PCCB dimensions vary by variant; confirm before quoting.
Service basics
Caliper mounting bolts torque to about 85 Nm front and rear (inspect and replace on removal if the workshop manual calls them single-use). Flush the DOT 4 brake fluid every two years regardless of mileage, since it absorbs moisture over time.
Sources: