MazdaUSA's Reponce to Brake Issues

[Sir. SpeedALot]

MazdaUSA's Reponse to Brake Issues

I contacted Mazda about the grooves showing up on my rear rotors and this was their reponse.

Dear Eric,

Thank you again for contacting Mazda North American Operations. I
appreciate the opportunity to respond to you.

In regard to your inquiry, the brake dust on the rear wheels is due to
the type of brake pads used, and the grooves on the rear rotors is due
to the coating on the rear rotors. If this occurs, the dealership will
either machine rotors or replace them if necessary. Unfortunately,
there is no other avenue for you to take this. Your comments have been
documented for our corporate records.

I certainly apologize for any inconvenience this may cause you.


Has anyone tried upgrading the brake pads? Is this a DIY kinda job or do they need to be installed by a mechanic?

 

[goldwing2000]

Brake pads are easy to change. Anybody should be able to do it in less than an hour. Most people should be able to do it in less than 30 mins.

 

[PhreakV]

If this occurs, the dealership will
either machine rotors or replace them if necessary.

they are admitting fault in their letter and are offering to fix it, I would just take it to a Mazda dealership, letter in hand and ask them to replace/machine the rotors. let them know that you will be more than happy to contact Mazda NA to let them know of the 'stellar' service that you are sure to receive from the dealership and you should be well on your way to a paid-for rental and quick, compitent service.
brake pads and rotors are quick DIY projects but let Mazda make an attempt to correct thier mistakes.

 

[Sir. SpeedALot]

The dealership will not replace the pads, but they will machine the rotors. Brake dust is common and I understand it's not covered under any warranty. My only concern was the rotors.

 

[dulog]

Ok this probably sounds stupid but I'm just trying to learn more -- what do they do to "machine" the rotors? Does it reduce the life of them when this is done?

 

[Sir. SpeedALot]

Sorry if I sound incompetent, but does anyone have a how-to on replacing the Mz3's brake pads? Or is this something I should figure out by looking at the brakes. Any suggestion on some good pads?

 

[Sir. SpeedALot]

Ok this probably sounds stupid but I'm just trying to learn more -- what do they do to "machine" the rotors? Does it reduce the life of them when this is done?

They use a lathe type machine and shave off a few mm of metal. And yes, it does reduce the life of the rotor.

 

[xelderx]

They use a lathe type machine and shave off a few mm of metal. And yes, it does reduce the life of the rotor.

More like a few 1000th's of an inch but you get the idea.

 

[Sir. SpeedALot]

With the grooves in my rotor...it's more like mm. But yes, that's not the norm.

 

[xelderx]

With the grooves in my rotor...it's more like mm. But yes, that's not the norm.

That sucks, but when I first bought my Pro5 in 2001 I was informed that the crappy rotors were a Mazda signature. I'm getting ready to have them turned again due to the warpage.

 

[blizz81]

Could always see how far they'll go in the future if it keeps grooving on the rotors enough until you save up money and rationalization to go aftermarket

 

[Da 6]

finishing the rotors won't stop the pads from redigging the exact duplicate rings in the rotors...thats why if you have rings both must go...yes semi or ceramic pads should get rid of the gumetal rims concern

 

[Loose]

Lessons in life

One should never put a new turbo on a old, tired motor. One should never change the oil w/o changing the filter too, and most certianly one should never turn rotors w/o changing the pads!

Tim

 

[joeblack]

From what I told by Mazda yesterday. They said the rings or grooves in the rotor were due to the rotor discs were too soft and the brake dust was due to the material of the brake pads. In other words, the dust and the ring problems are due to the mismatching between the rotor and the pad.......

Now I find out the reason. Unless they change the material of the pad, otherwise, this problem in the brake system cannot be solved....because I think the pad material has some metalic component that hurt the brake discs.

 

[Da 6]

full metallic

 

[PhreakV]

hell, just buy some aftermarket pads and get Mazda to put them in when they machine/change the rotors for you.
otherwise just ride the s*** out of the brakes until something breaks and have Mazda fix the whole damn thing

 

[Mikey444]

otherwise just ride the s*** out of the brakes until something breaks and have Mazda fix the whole damn thing

Tha's just what I am doing, the tires as well since I am changing them with Michelins soon anyway