tut_tutZOOM

I had noticed that my rear brake pads (I have a '01 ES so both front and rear are disc brakes) were getting low recently, and was told at my 30K mile inspection that they needed to be replaced. I have no earthly idea why the rear would wear so much quicker than the front, but I plan to replace both front and rear pads together (and possibly the rotors, although I may just have them turned).

I have searched this site extensively, as well as doing searches on the internet and stopping by one of my local auto parts stores, and it seems that no one carries brakes for the newer 2.0 liter cars with the rear disc setup. I know that EBC claims to have some Greenstuff/Redstuff available, but all I can find it for is 1.6 or 1.8 liter engines. Also, I thought I would try the Hawk HPS pads, but cannot find a retailer that carries them for this year either. I haven't done any auto-xing and don't plan on starting soon, so I don't want anything too agressive/rotor-wearing.

Where did you all get your brakes/pads from...I guess I'm willing to go back to the stock setup, but would prefer something a little more performance oriented (please don't send me back to the dealer...I've given them more $ than they deserve already!!) Ideas??

carguycw

Try Porterfield- www.porterfield-brakes.com. They make performance pads for everything under the sun.

BTW I would have the dealer check the E-brake mechanism to address the accelerated rear pad wear. The rear pads/shoes on most FWD cars last almost forever, and they should not be significantly worn at only 30k. I think your rear brakes may be dragging.

tut_tutZOOM

I checked Porterfield and, per their site, it appears that '98 is the newest model Pro they offer pads for. Perhaps they just need to update their site though???

Thanks for the idea though, I've heard that they are pretty good brakes

carguycw

Call them. Their website is frequently out of date.

slikpro

mazdaformance.com has them.

Check it out.
________
Paxil attorneys

jimvt

I have the same car ('01 ES 2.0) and also have experienced accelerated rear brake wear. (only on drivers side, too!) Have you gotten any answers from the dealer? I'm wondering if they will consider this a warranty issue.

tut_tutZOOM

Nope, no offers from the dealer, other than to replace them for an outrageously high price.

I'm replacing them myself tonight...all I could find for the rear is OEM replacement brakes. For the front, I think I'll pick up either Hawk or EBC Greenstuff as they both supply for the front disc setup as far as I know (I think Porterfield does too...)

Josh

jimvt

Yeah, I can only find the parts from my dealer :
$100 for the pads and $40. for each rotor. They estimate 2.5hrs @ $60/hr. I wonder of these rear brakes are borrowed from another Mazda..ie, Miata or 626?

tut_tutZOOM

I'd get the pads from mazdaformance.com if I were you. They only charged me $45.90 (+S&H). They don't show that rotor as being available, but they may still have it for a better price than your dealer.

ZZOOOMM

My sisters crappy Honda had brakes replaced every 10,000 miles. Not because of her driving, but because the breaks were not returning after she applied the breaks. Honda told her nothing was wrong with her breaks for 75,000 miles. She took the car in for a tranny check up, and behold they found a break problem. They are going to reimberse her for all the break material her installed in her car.

carguycw

$40 per rotor ain't bad but $100 for pads is too much and 2.5 hours of labor for a rear pad swap is outrageous. The job should take 0.5 hours

BTW rear pad wear that's worse on one side indicates that the brakes on that side are dragging. The E-brake mechanism needs to be checked!