Please Help!

[KellyOBug]

I took my car to Keith Hawthorne Mazda because my brakes were sqealing and a burning smell was coming from the back of my car. I was told my back brakes needed replacing and my rotors resurfaced. I was then told that the smelling and squealing were from improper installation of my brakes. The only brake work I have had done was having my front brake pads replaced in April by them. I told them this and they told me my brake pads did not look like "Mazda brake pads." They informed me the guy who takes care of these issue was on his honeymoon and would be back in 2 weeks. They put new rear brake pads on my car and resurfaced my rotors. I brought my car back 3 more times because of a knocking noise that was coming from my rear. I had not heard this noise until they "fixed my brakes." They put a "shim kit" on my rear brakes and the noise has stopped. Why does my Mazda need any manipulation for "mazda brake pads" to fit properly? How will a shim kit affect the life of my brakes? What can I do for my brakes being "installed improperly by the manufacturer?

[Noisy Crow]

Are you seriously coming from North Carolina? Wow!

Okay, before it's really possible to really make any sort of comments, it would be helpful to know:

Did you buy the car new? What's the mileage on it?


The fact that the rear brakes were "squealling" and making a "burning smell" would suggest to me the parking brake was either left on while driving or the cable was stuck.

Not sure about why the shims were required, (someone on this board who has actually replaced their brakes might be able to help) my guess is that they pads were a bit loose and were shifting around in the calipers, and adding the shims stopped the pads from moving. Doubt there would be any impact on the life of your brakes... that's more a factor of material the replacement pads are made out of and how much you brake.

[KellyOBug]

I did buy my car brand new and it now has about 58,000 miles on it.