I had my Mk2.5 sport serviced at Sam Goodwin in April and he advised that both the front and rear discs and pads would require replacement shortly.
The car has just gone through its MOT yesterday ok, but with the advsiory that all the pads were nearing their limit. The car is a 2004 1.8 sport with just under 39000 on the clock.
The question is, is there any recommendation on what to replace the parts with, do I use standard Mazda parts or is any of the aftermarket parts better value etc.
The car is only used as a standard road car, so track type performance is not a consideration.
I am getting my car serviced today and coincidentally they also said that mine required front and rear disks and pads. What should I expect to pay for the replacement parts and the work?? Just want to see if I am being over charged, they quoted me approx. £250 front and £230 rear (or may have been the other way round).
I’m no mechanic but I have changed the brake pads on my VVT Sport and it’s a doddle. Replacing the discs is easy too. These cars are a pleasure to work on so I would recommend anyone with a bit of sense, some basic tools (but including a torque wrench) and a flat area to work on to do this sort of stuff themselves. Notwithstanding, I agree with Wayne and would go with OE bits everytime. I did put greenstuff brake pads on the rear a while back and have noticed considerably more dusting, with no noticably better braking efficiency, than before …
If they are OE parts and that also includes fitting costs?then it’s about right,but as said make sure they use the right greases and in the right places incuding the hand brake arms,and they know how to adjust the handbrake correct,your callipers are not cheap for your model ,so if they get it wrong ,big money later on down the line.
I have the same problem, knackered rear disk and worn front pads. Changed the rear pads last year now the rear disks are going to need new pads again. Checked out genuine disks and pads from MX5parts and they work out at £245 with pp.
I saw the ad in STHT for Powerstop kits and http://www.motoringclassics.co.uk/braking/c463 have EBC grooved discs and Greenstuff kits for £275. I have seen a lot of threads saying stick to Mazda but for £30 more is this the way to go?
It’s up to you Ian, personally all my disks are good, and i use OE pads, and have done in all the years of ownership…long time it is all down to how you are going to be useing her.
Hi Trebor, OEM = original equipment manufacturer (Mazda or whoever else made them) but all the big names are fine on the road and have to meet strict quality standards.
I have 2 full sets here for MX5 and Mazda 6 ready to go on. Each complete car set pads and discs was less than £120 inc vat.
Ring round your local motor factors and check brands and prices. I’ll do the 2 cars properly inc all new discs, pads, clips and brake fluid change for £300. That would be £1000 at the dealers. My time of course but I enjoy doing it
Just a mention also to check the back of the discs as they seem to rust and score worse than the side you can see.
Yes, just to add I wouldn’t begrudge a good mechanic a fair price This is straightforward but time consuming work to do properly and each car will take me a day at my leisurely pace, I’ve already spent a couple of hours degreasing the 8 new discs and painting the disc hubs to stop rust in readiness. The callipers will also need a good cleaning and reassembling with the proper greases as Wayne says. The one piston design is doubtless to blame for the inside pads wearing quicker. In theory both pads should get equal pressure through action/reaction but stiction in the system means the one with the piston gets more work. In the old days there was a piston each side and no sliding calliper…
I did measure them as close as I could. I then priced up the parts from a Mazda dealer, who confirmed the large size by uisng my VIN.
I actually ended up buying all the bits from MX5 parts, who alos confirmed the size by using my VIN. As I happened to be taking my daughetr back to Uni at Chichester, I used the opportunity to personally collect the parts from them, therefore saving postage. MX5 parts were over £80 cheaper than the Mazda dealer for the full set of front and rear discs and pads.
I intend to have them fitted by Sam Goodwin, when I book the car in with them for its service.
I got myself the front pads, copper grease and axle stands and was going to do this last weekend, but the weather conspired against me (no garage available). One thing I do Not enjoy is working outside in a car park when it’s cold and wet
So here’s to hoping that next weekend will be more suitable! (also need to get a torque wrench)
Could someone please verify that I have the right front pads for a 2003 sport: EBC Green stuff DP21452
There seemed to be some confusion exactly which pads where the right ones one some sites
it is all down to how you are going to be useing her.
