Are CX-5 and CX-50 brake components interchangeable?

N7turbo

2023 CX-5 2.5T ... 2024 MX-5 RF GT
I don't expect anyone to definitively know this, but I wonder if the power brake booster or master cylinder could be swapped from a CX-50 to resolve people's CX-5 soft brake pedal complaints.
 
I don't notice much (if any) difference between the 'softness' of our CX-5 vs CX-50. Also, people complain about the CX-50 brakes too, so I doubt that swapping anything other than changing the pads themselves (with aftermarket), will make an appreciable difference.

Personally, I like the 'softer' travel in the brakes - it gives me more control, especially when coming to a gentle stop.
 
A common way to firm up brakes is to swap the brake hoses to each wheel with stainless steel braided lines. SS brake lines are less than $150/set.

I did this on my 2500 pick up. The brakes went from soft to very firm. A lot of the soft pedal are the brake hoses expanding under pressure. A quick look, I didn't find a supplier who sells SS lines for CX 5s.

We use SS braided brake lines on our race cars for reliability and firm brake pedal.

I might change to SS braided hoses later this year when we do a brake fluid flush.

Here is a link showing SS braided lines but don't fit my CX 5, only for reference. I have contacted this company and asked for a quote.

https://www.buybrakes.com/techna-fi...t-for-mazda-cx-5-front-and-rear-4-brake-lines

I bought my truck SS brake lines from Crown Performance. Easy guys to deal with and do what they say. I've contacted Crown as well.

https://www.crownperformance.com/stainless-steel-brake-line-kits/
 
Last edited:
I don't notice much (if any) difference between the 'softness' of our CX-5 vs CX-50. Also, people complain about the CX-50 brakes too,
They are significantly different. Neither are perfect. Ideally we'd have something in between the two. A little firmness from the CX-50 (but not as firm) and without the delay from the CX-5 brakes. Overall, I prefer the CX-5 brakes, but I don't prefer the delay.

I think the MX-5 does it better.
 
Back