Hey everybody, I'm looking at replacing my rear rotors and brake pads and was wondering if anyone could recommend a brand and specific replacement products. I'm considering doing the work myself, but I'm a bit of a noob at this. I have replaced the rear shocks myself, since the stock ones were a piece of crap and that went pretty well so I'm confident I can do it. But I've never done brakes before so any guidance, encouragement, etc. would be a big help. Thanks!
Which brand of rear rotors and pads would y'all recommend as higher quality parts?
- Thread starter PRoth
- Start date
Did you already replace your front pads? If your rear wore out before your front, I'd make sure your slider pins are not seized.
Are you replacing your rotors for any particular reason - are they at the service limit?
I believe for the rear pistons, you need to turn the piston to retract them.
I'm going to put Hawk HPS pads on my 5 when I replace. I bought them 2 years ago, but the pads are still good
Are you replacing your rotors for any particular reason - are they at the service limit?
I believe for the rear pistons, you need to turn the piston to retract them.
I'm going to put Hawk HPS pads on my 5 when I replace. I bought them 2 years ago, but the pads are still good
- :
- 2008 Mazda5 GT
You can do it, yes you can.
Google Mazda3 rear brake pad how-to and you'll find detail guides with pics. Only difference is our rear rotor is slightly larger. For pads/rotors suggestion, it depends on how much you want to pay or what you consider enough quality. I'd recommend checking out Tire Rack to see their reviews. They perform differently so it comes down to what you want (street, race, low dust, longevity, etc - you can't have them all) and how much you are willing to pay.
I do recommend checking out Centric (parent to PowerSlot and StopTech without the mark-up) for their bang for the buck value. They have tiers so stay away from the bottom line C-Tek.
A few points.
-You WILL need a tool to retract the rear piston. Luckily, you can loan one from an auto parts retail chain store like autozone for free.
-don't worry about breaking anything, you can replace any part.
-only DIY if you already have tools (basic tools and socket set) and a will/want to do it, not just to save a few bucks.
-there's a good chance the rotors are rusted on VERY tight. If so, you will need a mini sledge and whack at it front facing (not from the back).
-lube the caliper slide pins!!!
Google Mazda3 rear brake pad how-to and you'll find detail guides with pics. Only difference is our rear rotor is slightly larger. For pads/rotors suggestion, it depends on how much you want to pay or what you consider enough quality. I'd recommend checking out Tire Rack to see their reviews. They perform differently so it comes down to what you want (street, race, low dust, longevity, etc - you can't have them all) and how much you are willing to pay.
I do recommend checking out Centric (parent to PowerSlot and StopTech without the mark-up) for their bang for the buck value. They have tiers so stay away from the bottom line C-Tek.
A few points.
-You WILL need a tool to retract the rear piston. Luckily, you can loan one from an auto parts retail chain store like autozone for free.
-don't worry about breaking anything, you can replace any part.
-only DIY if you already have tools (basic tools and socket set) and a will/want to do it, not just to save a few bucks.
-there's a good chance the rotors are rusted on VERY tight. If so, you will need a mini sledge and whack at it front facing (not from the back).
-lube the caliper slide pins!!!
Anything compatible to OEM would do great. Tirerack.com is a good source in my opinion; fast shipping and they're products are usually good quality and fitment. I would probably stay away from cheapos found on ebaY, although there are some good ones there also but for a little more money. I've recently done the front brakes for the first time. I used Centric plain rotors b/c the center hub is coated to prevent rust and Akebono pads just b/c it produces the least amount of brake dust. The job wasn't too bad, the toughest part was getting the caliper mounting bracket bolts off. It was on there really tight so I soaked in PB Blaster and eventually got it off. Other than that, if you can follow step by step instructions and have the tools, you're good to go. I would recommend going to Autozone or some parts store that loan out tools for compressing the brake caliper piston properly. Use the proper lubricant and place them on the right spots to avoid squeaking down the road. It's also important to torque down the bolts at the correct specs. One thing I would recommend that I probably should have done when I did my front brakes is to scrape off the rust that's on the wheel hub just for the rotor to sit better on the hub. Search on google or youtube for how to's and DIY. Here's something you can refer to: http://www.mazdas247.com/forum/show...n-2006-Mazda5-Sport-my-experience-(very-long). Here's another one to give you an idea, it's for the Mazda3 but they're similar to MZ5: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DcAwV0wd92A. GL.
I am kinda surprised the rears are spent already. Our 06 never sees any highway mileage, so its all stop-n-go and at 62,000 mi, the rears still look really good. The fronts OTOH were something I was elated to replace. You can search for my thread if you would like.
I suggest the Centric ceramics for great feel and from what I've seen, pretty much no dust. Got mine at Rock Auto, but as I have already said, the rears I ordered DID NOT FIT. The part they listed does not fit the Mz5. So just don't get rear Centric ceramic pads from them & you should be OK.
I suggest the Centric ceramics for great feel and from what I've seen, pretty much no dust. Got mine at Rock Auto, but as I have already said, the rears I ordered DID NOT FIT. The part they listed does not fit the Mz5. So just don't get rear Centric ceramic pads from them & you should be OK.
Also, curious to know OP how you determined that the rotors need to be replaced. My rear pads, visually, show wear and need replacement soon, but I couldn't tell how the rotors are..
