2012 Mazda3 Brake Issue

[Donald]

Aftermarket Pads are fitting too loosely - need to buy the dealer pads. The issue seems to be more prevalent with this type of caliper since it does not use clips on the bracket.

Who would design a caliper with no clips? I would lube with Molykote. Not a grease.

The area where the clips normally go should be filed not wire brushed if rusty. I might paint that area.

 

[DBMaster]

Issue resolved!

 

[researcher]

Issue resolved!

so if I read it correctly, the oem were machined better in mounting into the brake caliper/hardware compared to the aftermarket that got "close" but not exact fitting. If that's true, another laugh at some of the junk aftermarket we're seeing lately.

 

[johnmyster]

I also have a Mazda 3 (2011) with replacement Bosch pads on front and get a predictable front end clunk when putting the car into reverse and easing up on the brake pedal.

Pads went on 3.5 years and 27,000 miles ago. Bosch "blue" BE1044, which have otherwise been worth the $16.62 paid.

Perhaps I take it apart this winter and discover a missing clip or loose caliper bolts.

I rotated front tires yesterday and confirmed slop in outer drivers side pad. I also noticed the external outer spring was missing on that side. I ordered a pair of $8 replacements.

My OE pads were also FoMoCo stamped. I don't think I kept them.

Car will soon get torn apart for a pair of front wheel bearings. If replacement spring does not resolve I'll chunk the $16 bosch pads in favor of something else. Maybe.

 

[DBMaster]

so if I read it correctly, the oem were machined better in mounting into the brake caliper/hardware compared to the aftermarket that got "close" but not exact fitting. If that's true, another laugh at some of the junk aftermarket we're seeing lately.

That's close to the story, but not quite. While the machining on the tabs appeared to be a bit smoother, it was pretty marginal. The Bosch pads had cost me $25 on RA and the fit seemed to be spot on. Apparently, it doesn't take much to cause a fitment issue on this car. In the past my go-to aftermarket ceramic pad was Raybestos. Just because the Bosch pads had this issue doesn't mean other brands will. It'll be a LONG time before I need front pads again. When it's time for the rears I'll just pony up for OEM. Over the 13 years I've had this car I haven't spent more than a few hundred bucks on replacement parts.