Pampusik

my front brake were knocking during slight braking so I went month to Midas. First they wanted machine the rotors, so I said just maintain brakes and lubricate sliders ( six moths ago my Mazda dealers in 30 days warranty for used vehicle machined the rotors and did not help stop this knocking, after lubricating sliders it was quite for 3-4 months and now again). I noticed that he pulled out only one per caliper and grease that with sort of antiseize.
My question:
- both sliders bolts on caliper should be cleaned and lubricated,ya?
- what should I use for lubrication of sliders?
- does anyone had similar knocking from front during gentle braking ? ( firm braking does not make that sound, I hear "squeezing" during releasing brake , exuse that sound descriprion , english is not my mother s language ).

Thanks in advance

Pampusik

jstand6

What do you mean by "knocking?" Is it just a single "knock" or "clunk?" Or, is it a repetetive knocking (knock... knock... knock...)?

When did the problem start? Did you install any new parts (pads, rotors) before the problem started? If so, what part and what brand is the part?

Pampusik

repetetive knocking during gentle braking, did not change anything ( anu part ) . Started just after 30 days warranty for used cars. Machining did not help lubricating slides as I said , helped for certain period ( first time for 3 moths , second time for 1 moths ).

jstand6

Hmmm...

I don't see how lubing the caliper slide pins is solving the problem, but if it works...

To answer your questions. yes the slide pins should be thoroughly cleaned and lubed. Use a good caliper grease to lube the slide pins. Look for a grease with a high temperature rating. You should be able to find several brands at your local auto parts store. Make sure you get the rubber boots back on securely! These boots keep contaminants off the slide pins and keep the grease in.

I haven't had your problem, although I am having a problem with my brakes making a "clunk" noise everytime I apply them. This weekend, I am going to disassemble, inspect, clean, lube, and put it all back together to see if I can solve the problem.

Good luck! Have you inquired with the Toronto Protege Club? They can probably recommend some really good brake shops and parts stores. http://www.toprotege.com/

Pampusik

maybe it is as you describing "clunking" noise , but as I wrote above, still have some problems with desribing noises,smells and etc. English is not clear for me in these, but getting better.
Please write here what you will find on yours ones and I will check, mines.
I do trust less and less to these shops like are Midas and Speedy auto. They are mostly fast "thieves". It is hard to find reliable mechanic. Some of them are good in one thing some in anothers. Life is tough.

Pampusik

rowan

Since you're in Toronto ..

TO Protege Club has a number of sponsor dealerships. They provide good service and discounts for being in the club. I'm not sure where in Toronto you live, but there are five to choose from. If you're having problems with the non-dealership or independent shops, maybe you would have luck at a dealership.
http://www.toprotege.com/sponsors/

jstand6

I seem to have solved my problem with clunking. I think it was the caliper slide pins, in particular, the lower slide pin. I took everything apart and noticed that the lower slide pins had no grease on them. This slide pin slides in a rubber sleeve (now that doesn't appear to be a great choice on Mazda's part). The rubber sleeves must have absorbed some of the grease and I didn't put enough on... or the grease may have come out since there is only a plastic cap that pops onto the end of the pin, but doesn't do much for sealing it.

Here's a pic of my brake assemby hanging from the spring:


The lower slide pin is removed by using an allen wrench and then sliding the pin out of the caliper. The upper slide pin is threaded to the caliper bracket as well, but you just slide the caliper away from the bracket to remove the caliper. The rubber boots that fit between the caliper and bracket do a pretty good job of sealing. However, the exposed end of the lower pin only gets a plastic cap that barely stays on. Plus, the rubber sleeve that the lower slide pin sits in is grooved inside, so the grease goes into the grooves and then out the end.

I'll have to see how long this lasts... Perhaps I can find a better grease that will stay and resist the elements better.

Pampusik

if I understood that properly, Midas was greasing only upper slider pin, as guy removed it and caliper was turn down on lower slider. After greasing he turned caliper back, put pin in and tied it. Same on both sides. I will or try find good dealership or try to make it by myself. Do not have garage but does not look like I need long time for that so maybe even some parking lot would be enough .
Thanks a lot JSTAND6

Pampusik

jstand6

Don't go rejoicing just yet. After a day, my clunk is back and louder than ever. I don't know what is wrong. I am just going to hand a blank check to a brake shop. And if I find out that the KVR rotors or pads are the problem, I am going to be Corksport's and KVR's worst nightmare... they have both been running me in circles.