New brakes at 20K?

[camrycev6]

All,

I am just starting to get the squeeling in my front brakes at 19,338 miles. I am wondering if this is typical for the MS3 to need new brakes this early. I am not hard on my brakes (I don't drive in a lot of start / stop traffic, and I also engine brake all the time.)

Thoughts?

[15min5k]

Mine needed to be replaced at 21k and Mazdaspeed3 brake pads are expensive!

[camrycev6]

Did you get it done at the dealership? How much did it run you?

[ElSpeedDiablo]

Get hawk pads, yeah I went mine has 21k miles and my dealer says that my pads are at 4mm, they are realy bad once at 2mm, well you shouldnt let it get that bad, I'm planning on replacing them myself, f**k paying 300 for new front brakes, I'll spend 100 on realy good pads and spend an hour or so in the cold.

[DaleNixon]

Subbin' to see where this leads.

[camrycev6]

I just did some shopping for the pads, and you are right, you can get front and rear pads for less than $100. I am going to call Pepboys, Meinekie (sp?), and Mazda to see what they want to put them on...

[SPEED3TYPE2]

I just did some shopping for the pads, and you are right, you can get front and rear pads for less than $100. I am going to call Pepboys, Meinekie (sp?), and Mazda to see what they want to put them on...

Beaware! oreliy ,autazone, advance autopart etc. have the same part number for the reg mazda 3 as our speed3, the speed3 pads are NOT mazda3 pads. I discovered this the hard way after taking everything apart..lol Before you buy ask "are these the same pads that are on the mazda3"... This was as of 6 monthhs ago when i did mine they may have fixed the issue now? just given ya a heads up about it.(direct) i had to get mine form the dealer with discount $175...

[ElSpeedDiablo]

Well if you dont want to do it yourself, I'd take it to a local reliable mechanic and they'll usaly install the brakes if you have all the brakes for no more than $75-$85. Anything more and they are ripping you off only takes but an hour to replace brakes with the right tools unless ur bleeding them, which you shouldnt have to do cuz your brake fluid should be ok, it does only have 20k for crying out loud. Yeah, I was just as shock as you were, when I was told I needed brakes on my car that is 9 months old, but I do have 21k miles.

[camrycev6]

Thanks for all the advice guys. This makes me just want to buy the pads from Mazda, then take them to someone to have them done. I would do it myself, but I honestly haven't changed pads in over a decade and I don't want to screw it up. It isn't worth the $100 it would cost me to pay someone to do it.

[chuyler1]

I put 60K on the original pads for my Protege5. I've got 20K on my MS6 and they're looking fine (aside from copious amounts of brake dust).

I'd be very surprised if you are only getting 20K out of your MS3 pads...they can't be all that different from the MS6 as far as the compound goes. Then again, I am very light footed on the brakes. I never make hard stops and I rarely drive on the highway.

[camrycev6]

I am into the squealers, and that has to say something. I realize it doesn't automatically mean then need to be changed, but they are there as an auditory warning for a reason.

[ElSpeedDiablo]

Well I drive on the highway for about an hour or two everyday, I do love to push my car on a daily basis, so I'm not too mad that they are going, cuz I did push my car, but hey you gotta pay to have fun and I wouldnt dream of going one single day where I havent just gunned the shit out of her atleast once. Zoom-zoom

[ElSpeedDiablo]

I am into the squealers, and that has to say something. I realize it doesn't automatically mean then need to be changed, but they are there as an auditory warning for a reason.

Well do you use any kind of product to clean ur wheels, cuz some tire shine and rim cleaners can cause your brakes to squeel till that shit is dry

[camrycev6]

Well do you use any kind of product to clean ur wheels, cuz some tire shine and rim cleaners can cause your brakes to squeel till that shit is dry

I hear you... however, I haven't cleaned my car (which includes rims with tire dressing) in about 3 weeks, so I don't think that is it. I just noticed the brakes making the noise over this past weekend. Now it is just intermittent.

[ElSpeedDiablo]

Idunno then, cuz my brakes were squeelin last winter, when my freakin car was new, but it went away after a few days, you should have the dealer tell u on ur next oil change, dont spend dinero on something you might not need, sometimes sqeeling doesnt mean new brakes, but hey I'm no mechanic

[camrycev6]

Idunno then, cuz my brakes were squeelin last winter, when my freakin car was new, but it went away after a few days, you should have the dealer tell u on ur next oil change, dont spend dinero on something you might not need, sometimes sqeeling doesnt mean new brakes, but hey I'm no mechanic

Funny you should say that, because that is exactly what I had planned to do. I am due for an oil change in the next week or so.

[DeepBlue]

I have 53,000 miles on mine and just now replacing the brakes. It squeals every now and then but it did that from brand new. I think it is caused by small dust particles getting in-bedded in the pads and rubbing the rotors. I'm either going with the Red Stuff by EBC or Hawk Plus.

[camrycev6]

53K on your MS3 and your are just now replacing them!? Have you had them checked regularly?

[invertedcharlie]

I have 53,000 miles on mine and just now replacing the brakes. It squeals every now and then but it did that from brand new. I think it is caused by small dust particles getting in-bedded in the pads and rubbing the rotors. I'm either going with the Red Stuff by EBC or Hawk Plus.

I have over 42,000 on mine, no squeak or squeals, so far so good, will check when it gets around 45,000. Mostly highway miles and a lot of engine brake.

[invertedcharlie]

53K on your MS3 and your are just now replacing them!? Have you had them checked regularly?

I think you have to check yours, 20,000 is too early unless you haul heavy stuff around all the time. Brake fade faster when you carry a lot of load driving daily.

[niz55]

i replaced mine at 19,000 miles. Went with hawks hps for $79 shipped. They are so quiet just like the stock and the hawks bite little better. Don't buy the stock OEM.

Make sure to Machine the rotors as well. It is 100% mandatory

[turbo23]

For stock pads you should be seeing well over 20k on them! Im at 26k and mine look fine. This is with some good fast autox courses, and Im not exactly easy on the brakes during daily driving. I will probably upgrade before they are done to hp+ but for now they are fine

[15min5k]

For stock pads you should be seeing well over 20k on them! Im at 26k and mine look fine. This is with some good fast autox courses, and Im not exactly easy on the brakes during daily driving. I will probably upgrade before they are done to hp+ but for now they are fine


Negative, you most live in the country or something. Mine were long gone at around 21k and I'm not even hard on them.

[Snyeed]

I am 22k needing new brake pads, Many autocrosses with 1 track day is the cause for this. Hawk HPS here I come.

[Sport6]

mine squeal at low speed stops lately... I'm at 16,000 miles.

I'm about to get my winter wheels and tires on so I will see how the pads actually look.

[blue-sun]

I'm at 10k and my brakes started sqweeking recently. hmmmm

[camrycev6]

I think you have to check yours, 20,000 is too early unless you haul heavy stuff around all the time. Brake fade faster when you carry a lot of load driving daily.

I will have them checked as I said. No, I don't haul anything but my ass and an occasional hot piece of ass in my MS3. I am seeing more data supporting new brakes at 20-25K than 50K. I suppose I will reserve judgment until I have Mazda look at them next week.

[mckraut]

For stock pads you should be seeing well over 20k on them! Im at 26k and mine look fine. This is with some good fast autox courses, and Im not exactly easy on the brakes during daily driving. I will probably upgrade before they are done to hp+ but for now they are fine

Mine are still going strong at around 27k, had all four wheels checked out recently.

[SP33D3]

Just ordered HPS pads will replace them this week. Mine squeaked since day one.

[bgibb68]

i think the oem brake pads just suck...i had my rear replaced the first year on my p5 around 20k.......front around 40k.......i'm now at over 100k and haven't replaced either since

[Snyeed]

What place has the best deal for hawk HP's?

[jeffjett]

I have over 42,000 on mine, no squeak or squeals, so far so good, will check when it gets around 45,000. Mostly highway miles and a lot of engine brake.

No desire to high jack the thread, but I have heard it is better to use the brakes on the car, rather than engine brake, due to wear on the clutch plate from engine braking. I have always used the mantra that a brake job is cheaper than a new clutch, but I don't know if this is correct or not. Any informed input?

Thanks.

[bgibb68]

using brakes is alot better......no wear on clutch or engine.....i downshift but at speeds where the rpm will be low.....quicker to pick up and go if need be

[skubidoobie]

This car doesn't have a whole lot for engine braking anyway Use the binders, that's what they're there for.

[camrycev6]

No desire to high jack the thread, but I have heard it is better to use the brakes on the car, rather than engine brake, due to wear on the clutch plate from engine braking. I have always used the mantra that a brake job is cheaper than a new clutch, but I don't know if this is correct or not. Any informed input?

Thanks.

There was another thread on this. Actually engine braking is better. There is no data to support enginer braking wears out any parts sooner than normal. Let me see if I can find the thread... Darn... Couldn't find it... but check this stuff out:

http://www.nationmaster.com/encyclopedia/Engine-brake

http://thefuntimesguide.com/2005/07/downhilldriving.php

[wisniaPl]

i hear sometimes squeaking and im only at 9k wtf??

[SwampAss]

34k no squeal.

[camrycev6]

Just got my oil change and brake inspection today.

Front pads were at 40% wear (60% remaining.) The rear were in even better shape as expected. There was some glazing on the rotors which they said was perfectly normal and that I had nothing to worry about.

On a side note... I read on this site about dealers putting in the wrong oil (5W-20)... I did confirm they put the right oil in... 5W-30.

I will continue with dealer... they seem all right to me.

[AFcadet]

It depends how cold it is. Our brake pads are hard compared to normal cars...so the pads will squeal when it gets cold out (like below 40-45 degrees). They did that to me last year and did it recently when it got cold. It warmed back up a little and havn't heard a squeal since.

[invertedcharlie]

I will have them checked as I said. No, I don't haul anything but my ass and an occasional hot piece of ass in my MS3. I am seeing more data supporting new brakes at 20-25K than 50K. I suppose I will reserve judgment until I have Mazda look at them next week.

Just got my oil change and brake inspection today.

Front pads were at 40% wear (60% remaining.) The rear were in even better shape as expected. There was some glazing on the rotors which they said was perfectly normal and that I had nothing to worry about.

On a side note... I read on this site about dealers putting in the wrong oil (5W-20)... I did confirm they put the right oil in... 5W-30.

I will continue with dealer... they seem all right to me.

Were those big and heavy asses I assume? If they are, you need new pads!! LOL

Seriously, good to hear everything is still good, these are really good system, I am now over 45K, ...lol and just order hawks, still no noise or whatsoever, but my rotor feel worn and will need machine. Still do a lot of engine brake until my pad arrive....Ken, where is my pad?

[CWPspeed3]

It depends how cold it is. Our brake pads are hard compared to normal cars...so the pads will squeal when it gets cold out (like below 40-45 degrees). They did that to me last year and did it recently when it got cold. It warmed back up a little and havn't heard a squeal since.

Its been in the teens and hasnt gone above freezing here in a while and i dont hear my brakes squeal, maybe i cant hear them over the rattle from the front of my car or maybe its because I only have 7k miles on the car but the cold weather hasnt really effected mine

[Nliiitend1]

I replaced my front pads at about 12K miles with Hawk HPSs, and they probably only had another 3K in them at the MOST. The rears were about 1/2 worn @ 12K, so I left them alone (the Hawk rears will probably go on when I replace the fronts again).

Mind you, my car has seen a few track days... :p ;)

[FrequentFlyer]

I've never had a car with a manual tranny get anything less than 50,000 miles on a set of front pads and 60-70,000 on the rears. Mind you this is driving somewhat sanely. If you're having to replace them at 20,000 miles with no substantial track/autocross time, something is definitely wrong.

On a side note, my rear brakes just started squeeling during low speed stops with light brake pedal pressure. I figured it was because it was getting cold. My car has 13,500 miles, 75% highway miles, so there is no way I need new brakes.

Engine braking does not wear out the clutch, granted you rev match and don't shift from 5th to 2nd at high speed. Downshifting below 4k RPM. Use your gears. That's what they're there for. You'll save gas in the process.

[camrycev6]

Brakes are still squeeling all the time. It is driving me nuts. Dealer looked at them again and said they were fine. I don't get it.

[FrequentFlyer]

I'm sure it's the cold because there seems to be a few people suddenly complaining about it.

[BOOSTR]

Brakes are still squeeling all the time. It is driving me nuts. Dealer looked at them again and said they were fine. I don't get it.

With as much pad as you have left, either get out some tools and flip up the calipers and clean/re-lubricate the backing plates and slider pins or pay someone to do it for you.

I hate brake noise and have none. Replaced my pads with Satisfied Pro Ceramics and used plenty of permatex brake caliper lube on all noise producing parts. No noise, dust or stopping issues.

[CamelFilters]

my front brakes wore thin at 51k km, so i called mazda (out here in canada) and asked how much was it to change the front brake pads and rotors, and they said $633 including tax. I wasnt surprised. I ended up getting a pair of Hawk HPS ($110CND tax in) and changed them myself. I kept the rotors because they were still fat; i drive mostly highway and dont track the car.
So far my first impression on the pads feel like the stockers; i havent noticed any squealing either. As for brake dust, i dont know yet, i have steel wheels on with winter tires.

[Russm]

Just a thought, Just replaced stock tires at 28K and was checking with tech I still have 75% of both front and back pad left.

[camrycev6]

With as much pad as you have left, either get out some tools and flip up the calipers and clean/re-lubricate the backing plates and slider pins or pay someone to do it for you.

I hate brake noise and have none. Replaced my pads with Satisfied Pro Ceramics and used plenty of permatex brake caliper lube on all noise producing parts. No noise, dust or stopping issues.

Thanks for the advice. I will consider that... I hate the noise.

[Alexsered]

Just ordered HPS pads will replace them this week. Mine squeaked since day one.


yes!!! somebody with a speed3 with more miles than me!! makes me feel better. I have 47,XXX miles on my car and they just started squeeling, going to try those ceramic brakes, 78 bucks or something like that. Going to do it myself, its a simple intall on our cars.

DONT BUY MAZDA BRAKES. man, for what you are paying you can get MUCH MUCH MUCH better brakes online for that price.

[BOOSTR]

camrycev6: here's a link to a good write up about noise
http://www.aa1car.com/library/2003/bf90318.htm

Permatex #20356 Ultra Disc Brake Caliper Lube $3.38
or
Permatex #24124 Ceramic Extreme Brake Lubricant $3.79

Either one will work and you can get them from amazon.com, the pads I got from partsamerica.com but you should check the manufacturers website of whichever pads you decide to go with when needed for an exact fitment. Parts suppliers are infamous for listing the wrong parts for all Mazdaspeeds when it comes to brakes.

[camrycev6]

camrycev6: here's a link to a good write up about noise
http://www.aa1car.com/library/2003/bf90318.htm

Permatex #20356 Ultra Disc Brake Caliper Lube $3.38
or
Permatex #24124 Ceramic Extreme Brake Lubricant $3.79

Either one will work and you can get them from amazon.com, the pads I got from partsamerica.com but you should check the manufacturers website of whichever pads you decide to go with when needed for an exact fitment. Parts suppliers are infamous for listing the wrong parts for all Mazdaspeeds when it comes to brakes.

Thank you sir.

[mo08ms3]

Thank you sir.

This worked great for me on my other cars. I haven't had the need yet on my MS3

http://shop.advanceautoparts.com/ProductDetail.aspx?MfrCode=CRC&MfrPartNumber=05016&CategoryCode=3223

[Captain GJ]

All,

I am just starting to get the squeeling in my front brakes at 19,338 miles. I am wondering if this is typical for the MS3 to need new brakes this early. I am not hard on my brakes (I don't drive in a lot of start / stop traffic, and I also engine brake all the time.)

Thoughts?

I took my car in last week for the same issue and I am having both front rotors replaced. They were both warped beyond repair. The car has 18k miles and is driven very conservatively, engine brake, etc. and I purposely avoid puddles.

[PCspeed3]

So do the Hawk's provide better stopping power over the stockers? (I would hope)

[Snyeed]

Yes, A very good upgrade from the stockers depending on which set you choose ofcourse.

[camrycev6]

I took my car in last week for the same issue and I am having both front rotors replaced. They were both warped beyond repair. The car has 18k miles and is driven very conservatively, engine brake, etc. and I purposely avoid puddles.

I took it in at a little over 20K for my 5,000 mile oil change schedule and they (Mazda) said they looked fine. (Pads and rotors)