So I set out to replace the front Rotors and Pads in my 2012 Mazda 5. While I am no professional mechanic I have done my share of work on cars. I used to Auto X and Road race a 1985 Pontiac Fiero and had replaced pads and rotors, sway bars, eurothane suspension bushings, Koni's and lowered springs, etc etc etc. After watching several you tube video's on replacing 2012 Mazda 5 rotors and pads and feeling very confident in my ability to retain a few hundred dollars in my wallet and improve my braking performance. I ordered Rotors and Pads from TireRack.com. While waiting my delivery, I went about my garage to make sure I had everything ready. Compressor - Check. Air Gun - Check. Jack and Stands - Check. Brake Cleaner, C-Clamp, Brake Lube - Check, Check, Check, ETC, ETC.
So the big day arrives. I flip on the compressor and my air hose (lousy orange plasticky P.O.S.) starts leaking faster than the compressor can handle. Not an auspicious start. So, I zip down to Lowes and get a proper Rubber air hose. I block the rear tires and jack up the front of the car and place the jackstands, remove the front tires and finally start on the brakes. 2 - 17 mm bolts and I have removed the front left caliper and placed on a tool box so it doesn't hang by the brake line. I pull off the retainer spring then compress the caliper. (Yes, I already removed the Brake Master Cylinder cap.) Then I pry out the inside brake pad. Now for the Rotor.... 2- 1/2 hours later, after beating, hammering, spraying with PB Blaster, going inside to watch youtube videos and scour the internet for knowledge on how to free the rotor from the hub I was able to persevere. Hurray! I cleaned and lubed up the pins then reinstalled them added the pads, added a new rotor that I sprayed and wiped with brake cleaner, bolted everything back together and repeated the process on the Passenger side.
I followed the bedding procedure at directed by Hawk Pads. So far so good.
The next day after the brakes warmed up... Good Lord am I driving an old school bus? The brake squeal was insanely load. The brakes worked fantastically, but OMG the brake squeal at low speeds was enough to make you want to volunteer for the upcoming Mars Space Mission. My children asked to be dropped off a block away from school.
So back to the internet. Did I miss something? The pads and rotors looked perfect. So whats wrong? Well, I didn't lubricate the brakes pads Tab's. Hmmm. OK, bring out the jack and the stands, remove the tires, pull the front brakes, Lube everything! Except the rotor's and pad's surfaces.
Yes, repeat the bedding routine. (Couldn't hurt) Everything is working perfectly, no noise, excellent pedal feel etc. Then it's back! The cacophony of the First rehearsal in Music Man! I don't get it. There is nothing left to check! Could the pads be bad?
The brakes work beautifully well. I don't know what else to check about the noise. Any suggestions would be appreciated.
So the big day arrives. I flip on the compressor and my air hose (lousy orange plasticky P.O.S.) starts leaking faster than the compressor can handle. Not an auspicious start. So, I zip down to Lowes and get a proper Rubber air hose. I block the rear tires and jack up the front of the car and place the jackstands, remove the front tires and finally start on the brakes. 2 - 17 mm bolts and I have removed the front left caliper and placed on a tool box so it doesn't hang by the brake line. I pull off the retainer spring then compress the caliper. (Yes, I already removed the Brake Master Cylinder cap.) Then I pry out the inside brake pad. Now for the Rotor.... 2- 1/2 hours later, after beating, hammering, spraying with PB Blaster, going inside to watch youtube videos and scour the internet for knowledge on how to free the rotor from the hub I was able to persevere. Hurray! I cleaned and lubed up the pins then reinstalled them added the pads, added a new rotor that I sprayed and wiped with brake cleaner, bolted everything back together and repeated the process on the Passenger side.
I followed the bedding procedure at directed by Hawk Pads. So far so good.
The next day after the brakes warmed up... Good Lord am I driving an old school bus? The brake squeal was insanely load. The brakes worked fantastically, but OMG the brake squeal at low speeds was enough to make you want to volunteer for the upcoming Mars Space Mission. My children asked to be dropped off a block away from school.
So back to the internet. Did I miss something? The pads and rotors looked perfect. So whats wrong? Well, I didn't lubricate the brakes pads Tab's. Hmmm. OK, bring out the jack and the stands, remove the tires, pull the front brakes, Lube everything! Except the rotor's and pad's surfaces.
Yes, repeat the bedding routine. (Couldn't hurt) Everything is working perfectly, no noise, excellent pedal feel etc. Then it's back! The cacophony of the First rehearsal in Music Man! I don't get it. There is nothing left to check! Could the pads be bad?
The brakes work beautifully well. I don't know what else to check about the noise. Any suggestions would be appreciated.