Braking issue with 07 Mazda 3 GT Sport

[Fish]

So recently I've been noticing a problem with braking on my Mazda. The problem is always noticable when braking from high speeds, but it's not always noticeable when braking at lower speeds.

When doing a slow to moderate brake from 100+kph (ie: getting off the highway), the steering wheel will SHUDDER...almost violently. I'll also feel a deep shudder/vibration in the brake pedal. It almost feels like ABS, but it is a slower pulse.

I'm going to take the car into a dealership soon as this is starting to become dangerous. I had to brake fairly hard on the 401 last week and the car took longer than usual to come to a complete stop. :|

What I'm wondering is how I can get the mechanics at the dealership to reproduce the problem. Do I have to get them to go on the highway with it? I'm not sure they'll do that, but I also don't want to drive the car at high speeds in a residential area!

[ST3ALTH]

I have the exact same problem, i seem to think it is due to bent rotors, but i am going to take it into the dealership to get it checked out first. Let me know if you find anything out about this problem

[Flagrum_3]

Sounds most likely a warped rotor(s) or possibly a bad bearing....They will drive the car and know what to look for so don't worry.

Good luck.

_3

[Fish]

Bent rotors! That sounds....serious. How would that occur? That should be covered under my super-insano-extended-paid a lot for it-warranty, right? :)

[Flagrum_3]

Bent rotors! That sounds....serious. How would that occur? That should be covered under my super-insano-extended-paid a lot for it-warranty, right? :)

Only if your under 12 months/20k then it's out of your pocket.Bent rotors is the wrong word, it's warped rotors and it's not serious but can effect the braking.


_3

[Fish]

Only if your under 12 months/20k then it's out of your pocket.Bent rotors is the wrong word, it's warped rotors and it's not serious but can effect the braking.


_3

Car is just over 24 months old. Forgive me, I don't know THAT much about cars, but it seems that rotors aren't really a 'wear and tear' item as such. I only have 60k on the car. Shouldn't rotors last much longer than that?

I'll talk to the dealership when I take it in, but I'm of the mind that I shouldn't have to fork over my cash for that repair. I've taken care of the car as per the manufacturer's specifications and I don't abuse it while driving.

...but on the other hand I could be wrong and rotors could be something that need replacing every 60k or so? Thoughts?

[ST3ALTH]

Yea thats what i thought too, but i only have 45k on my car and im having this issue. Im pretty sure if the rotors are warped it wont be covered under warrenty but i dont think rotors should just warp without any serious stress on them. Im going to call mazda of brampton today and see if they can suggest anything over the phone.

[Flagrum_3]

Car is just over 24 months old. Forgive me, I don't know THAT much about cars, but it seems that rotors aren't really a 'wear and tear' item as such. I only have 60k on the car. Shouldn't rotors last much longer than that?

I'll talk to the dealership when I take it in, but I'm of the mind that I shouldn't have to fork over my cash for that repair. I've taken care of the car as per the manufacturer's specifications and I don't abuse it while driving.

...but on the other hand I could be wrong and rotors could be something that need replacing every 60k or so? Thoughts?

I guess it all comes down to your relationship with your dealer, you could give it the old scout's try but I doubt at 60k they'll replace them for free (If it is the rotors).Only the calipers/master I believe are covered the full length of the warranty...Rotors are a funny thing, they can last 100k or go at 20k! Sometimes a single hard (emergency) braking from hwy speeds can cause rotors to warp!!.


_3

[ST3ALTH]

yea, and i can recal braking hard a few times on the highway when someone cut me off and almost him be, so it might be from that. I might just be out the 220$ before taxes for the new rotors from the dealer. oh well will see what happens.

[Fish]

Damn. Well, I'll talk to my dealer and see what happens.

I, like everyone else who has driven a car, have had to brake hard on a couple of occasions.

[WayneVancouver]

I also have a shudder when braking at freeway speeds. At 43,000 km I am very disappointed that the rotors appear to be warped. The dealer will only replace them under warranty if the brake pads are less than 50%. The service guy then said the brake pads were good for 60,000 KM. What are the chances that the pads will be at 50% None!