Brake Problems...possible solutions?

[J1gz420]

Hello all, it has been quite a while since I have posted anything in any of these forums, however, I have recently encountered a problem with the brakes on my 3, and I knew this was the place to go for solutions and suggestions.

Here goes.

I have a 2004 Mazda 3s, fully loaded with every option except nav., I say that so you know that I have the 4-wheel anti-lock brake option. Reviews that I have read of the OEM brakes and their lackluster perfromance, as well as their constant squealing, I wholeheartedly agree with. I drive a considerable amount around the DC area, and in the process have put on 23,000 in 10 months of ownership. This week, I discovered that there was something wrong with the rear brakes, they were making a grinding noise when stopping. I brought it into the local Mazda dealer, and they said I needed new pads, so I flipped out on them becasue that didn't seem right. They took another look at it and decided that the rotors and pads needed to be cleaned and adjusted. that was done yesterday afternoon. I picked the car up, drove to work this morning, same problem persisted. At this point I thought, warped rotor. I brought it in, had the tech look at it, and am awaiting their news as I write this.

Consequently, I have spent 3 hours on the net here trying to find better rotors and pads (including rear pads). Also, I have been trying to find knowledgable instructions on-line for replacing the pads and rotors, and thus comes the question.

Does anyone know of good aftermarket pads and rotors (front and back) and how to install them?

 

[m_long84]

Hello all, it has been quite a while since I have posted anything in any of these forums, however, I have recently encountered a problem with the brakes on my 3, and I knew this was the place to go for solutions and suggestions.

Here goes.

I have a 2004 Mazda 3s, fully loaded with every option except nav., I say that so you know that I have the 4-wheel anti-lock brake option. Reviews that I have read of the OEM brakes and their lackluster perfromance, as well as their constant squealing, I wholeheartedly agree with. I drive a considerable amount around the DC area, and in the process have put on 23,000 in 10 months of ownership. This week, I discovered that there was something wrong with the rear brakes, they were making a grinding noise when stopping. I brought it into the local Mazda dealer, and they said I needed new pads, so I flipped out on them becasue that didn't seem right. They took another look at it and decided that the rotors and pads needed to be cleaned and adjusted. that was done yesterday afternoon. I picked the car up, drove to work this morning, same problem persisted. At this point I thought, warped rotor. I brought it in, had the tech look at it, and am awaiting their news as I write this.

Consequently, I have spent 3 hours on the net here trying to find better rotors and pads (including rear pads). Also, I have been trying to find knowledgable instructions on-line for replacing the pads and rotors, and thus comes the question.

Does anyone know of good aftermarket pads and rotors (front and back) and how to install them?

Hey man. Sorry to hear about all of your problems. So far Hawk Performance pads make front pads only for the 3 and you can get them on ptuning.com for like $74.00. Porterfield makes front and rear and they are being sold on draxas.com for $150 for the fronts and $120 for the rears. As far as I know these are the only two companies that have made pads for the 3. As far as rotors go, I haven't seen anything except for the rotors on ebay. There is a wilwood brake kit that is being produced in a limited quantity for the 3 but that is like $2400.00 if I remember right. You'll have to search for the thread as I don't remember where it is. I hope this helps.

 

[mobomelter]

i found a website that sells ebc pads if you want those.

 

[peepsalot]

A warped rotor usually makes the car shake as you apply the brakes. Kinda lurching in proportion to your speed as the pads go in and out of contact with the warped rotor. If it is just making a noise and not this, I wouldn't think a warped rotor would do it.

 

[tsunami]

yeah i have found the ebc's as well, and they seemed like the best bang for the buck.. they also had it for all four corners... green stuff only i believe but unless you are autocrossing that should be fine... i can't remember the site, just do a search for ebc and you will figure it out.... as far as rotors go... ebay has some, but i have heard they are pretty much just pre-selling some companys who haven't released them yet? the sound you say sounds like metal on metal wich = worn pads..... change them quick or you will RUIN your rotors!!!

 

[mobomelter]

greenstuff is going to be waaaay better than stock so thats all thats needed. oh and here is a website that sells BOTH green and red stuff pads for the rear and all varietys (green, red, and yellow) for the front.

 

[tsunami]

greenstuff is going to be waaaay better than stock so thats all thats needed. oh and here is a website that sells BOTH green and red stuff pads for the rear and all varietys (green, red, and yellow) for the front.

nice thanks for the link, the website i looked at (it was about two months ago) only had green... i will be ordering mine by the end of the month hopefully....

 

[J1gz420]

nice thanks for the link, the website i looked at (it was about two months ago) only had green... i will be ordering mine by the end of the month hopefully....

huge, thanks everyone for the feedback and support. I did have one question, has anyone heard anything about the KVR rotors available, because I think I want to upgrade to those as well. And, if anyone knows, is there a step-by-step anywhere on how to change out the pads and rotors?

 

[goldwing2000]

Forum member mazda3zoom has replaced his pads and rotors. I think they were Brembo parts but you'd have to ask him to be sure.

 

[kisses]

Hey, I didnt have time to read all the replies, but I dont know if anyone has told you that at service bulliten *sp?* came out probably about 2 weeks ago for the squealing breaks. I just happened to be taking my piece of sh*t 3 in, again for service, and saw it laying on the guys desk. I ask him about it, and they replaced all of my breaks *pads, rotars, I have no idea about whats what. *girl* But they did. Ask them about it. Also, the front breaks, and back breaks are made by 2 different companies. my shop only had back breaks in stock, so they ordered the front ones for me. My car no longer squeals like a dying pig. It was so bad people would gawk at me.

NOW, just to fix the rest of the gd car that has been in the shop 10 times in the year that Ive had it. Anyone else have constant problems with theirs? I am not on here much, so email me at kisses1717@aol.com if so.

Take care, and good luck with the breaks !


eta- I just realized that I spelled BRAKES wrong on this entire post! HA!

 

[CZ-75]

Carbotech would appear to sell bobcat pads for this car, so that would be your best pad application.

 

[TurfBurn]

I can get pads and rotors for the 3's... the website you guys listed before though is incorrect... the only pads available for the front are EBC Greens, nothing else exists for the front by EBC. The rears are greens and reds that are available... KVR also does make rotors and pads for the 3, and I am a direct dealer with them as well.

Later!

Steve