peace2008

My 2010 Mazda 3 i-touring with around 60,000 miles on it needs new front brake pads. I've already had the dealer, under warranty, cut the front rotors due to warping. Now, the fronts are in need of replacing.

I want to replace the rotors too, even though the dealer wanted to charge me around 250 dollars for new pads and cutting the rotors.

I want to take charge of this my self.

I enjoy buying better quality pads and rotors. In fact, I want to replace the rear rotors and pads, even though they said they are okay to pass inspection.

So,...I am looking to you all for a advice. The only reason I want to replace the rear rotors and pads also is because I want to be confident, that in the years ahead, I have good stuff installed and less worry that I will need to replace the brakes.

So, should I go ceramic? What brand from (www.rockauto.com) that is where I want to get them, should I get.

I want the "heavy duty" rotors but don't know if ceramic is better or not.

Any advice is welcome.

I want to buy them with my tax return and get my car inspected next month. I will have my shop put them on and pay the labor.

Thanks.

Best brands of rotor/pad combination are what I need. Ceramic is not necessary unless it's best for long-life.

2010 Mazda 3 with 60,000 miles.

djs2571

I think ceramic is required on most new cars due to their durability / heat resistance. Other than that I don't know of any real differences in rotors / pads, i'd go for cheap myself.
Then again, sometimes cheap is cheap... I replaced my stock rotors at about 40k if I recall with a set from ebay (powerstop / brakemotive). They were drilled/slotted with zinc coating. The zinc doesn't help a whole lot, and the slots are positioned such that there is some vibration when braking hard - I assume from a different surface area in contact with the pads. Other than that i'm happy with them - great for a cheap brake set.

One thing to look for is the caliper pins dragging, i'd bet you hear the rubber on metal dry squeaking when you pull the pins off your ride. I put some spacers in to expand the rubber a bit and used better silicone lube (not available in stores). Anything else I tried got absorbed into the rubber, leaving it dry & thus allowing some drag. That drag is what can cause some overheating / warping problems.

Good luck, and it's definitely a good thing to do the work yourself.