Caliper brake service/service in general

Hey guys,

Recently went to the dealer to get an oil change and again, they were pushing the whole "brake cleaning" service to be done on the car. They go by time mostly then mileage and such....2013 GSSky with close to 70k on it original brakes. I had this caliper service done before (two years ago) and this time declined it. Is this just an upsell? I was told if declined my brakes wont make it to 100k due to a chance of seized calipers...fine there is some debate there yes.

Are all you dealership people doing this service every two years? I did do the alignment (car wasnt pulling in any direction but straight) I didnt feel a difference with that eitheir.

Im also wondering why Mazda is still pushing such short oil change intervals. At $75 a pop every four months, this is more expensive for oil per year than a C-Class Mercedes.

I've had my MS3 for over eleven years and nearly 190k. I have followed the recommended maintenance faithfully and the car has been extremely reliable. I doubt the service is a "must do", but if you plan on keeping the car for a long time I wouldn't skimp on maintenance... an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.

I have been sticking to Agincourt Mazda dealership recommenced interval for brake/caliper service/cleaning/lubrication. Replaced my 2012 MZR 2.L non sky front and rear disc and pads after 200K. And same goes with dealership OEM oil/filter intervals. Its only after 200k i've switched to Liqui Moly full synthetic and K&N performance oil filter and but i am still on the same interval with my new shop but cost has only gone down about $14. I think they do a simple oil/filter change at $69 and $99 oil/filter and check top up all fluids, lube, grease whole car.

I also have always done the recommended brake servicing ... stopping is more important than going IMO.
In 2004 my wife was driving our 1994 Pontiac Sunbird and blew through a red light because the brakes failed, I still get dirty looks for that. My mechanic at the time (local small shop) said I would need to do the brakes on my next service which was only another 5,000 km ... boy do I wish he had just done them, instead of suggesting we wait.
My $0.02

I'd suggest getting it done every two years just for peace of mind, especially the rears. You don't have to have it done at the dealer, an independent might be alot cheaper like one of our sponsors.

I do mine and I usually buy new slider pins as they're only like $8 and usually the ones being taken out are scored.


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I do my own brakes, clean and lube if required.

As for the oil change, every 4 months does seem excessive.

I have started taking mine to Costco and it seems their sticker shows about every 6 months.

Instead, since its already $150+ for this service I might aswell do the pads since it will be all opened up by them?

All the mechanics I have known in the past 20 years agree that it is a bad idea to use old pads with new calipers ...

and by calipers I mean rotors lol

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Originally Posted by Destarah

All the mechanics I have known in the past 20 years agree that it is a bad idea to use old pads with new calipers ...

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That's true but what was suggested is installing new pads with old rotors. Installing new pads on old rotors is fine aslong as the rotors are not too badly scored, otherwise the pads will not conform to the rotors very well. Pads can be installed aslong as the rotors are still good.


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FYI

I religiously serviced the brakes even after warranty and eventually both front callipers seized up anyway. Once right after a brake job was done. Luckily I was able to change it before the rotors and pads got ruined.

We haven't done any brake service on my wife's Dodge Journey (other than replacing the pads/rotors), now over 160k, and have yet to have a brake issue. Totally different car and totally different brakes so I'm not sure if I should really be comparing but there you go.

Thanks for the input everyone. The brakes work just fine except I notice when the car sits for a day they always sound a bit grindy until a few stops then its smooth but was always an issue with these stock pads since day 1.

Will inspect everything now in a week when I put the summer wheels on.

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Originally Posted by markow202

Thanks for the input everyone. The brakes work just fine except I notice when the car sits for a day they always sound a bit grindy until a few stops then its smooth but was always an issue with these stock pads since day 1.

Will inspect everything now in a week when I put the summer wheels on.

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Mine have always been like that, especially after some rain or snow. Normal in my books.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by markow202

Thanks for the input everyone. The brakes work just fine except I notice when the car sits for a day they always sound a bit grindy until a few stops then its smooth but was always an issue with these stock pads since day 1.

Will inspect everything now in a week when I put the summer wheels on.

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As already mentioned that is normal. After sitting a couple of days you can have a slight rust build-up on the rotors (perfectly normal) and this is what is most likely causing the grinding sound.


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Originally Posted by Flagrum_3

As already mentioned that is normal. After sitting a couple of days you can have a slight rust build-up on the rotors (perfectly normal) and this is what is most likely causing the grinding sound.


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Thanks guys! I guess even parked indoors where it can get a bit damp, some rust formation does form even though I cant really see it much.

I also noticed since brand new, if the car was parked in rain and you go to back up....horrible squeaks from the back brakes until used a few stops.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by markow202

Thanks guys! I guess even parked indoors where it can get a bit damp, some rust formation does form even though I cant really see it much.

I also noticed since brand new, if the car was parked in rain and you go to back up....horrible squeaks from the back brakes until used a few stops.

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This happened to me as well, seemed like ONLY when it rained and when car was backing out of driveway to start the day.

Got rear brakes replaced, I think just pads after recommendation from dealer after oil change. Probably could have gone longer, but it was bad timing just before leaving for vacation so ended up paying a lot. facepalm Now I just go to another mechanic after recommendations from dealer

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Flagrum_3

As already mentioned that is normal. After sitting a couple of days you can have a slight rust build-up on the rotors (perfectly normal) and this is what is most likely causing the grinding sound.


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Totally Agree with Flagrum_3
I have new rotors and pads all around. Maybe its also the rotor & pad composition.
After a damp / rain there is a slight light squeak in reverse and forward with a very slow light contact braking.

Just switched to my 18s for spring/summer over the weekend and looked at the brakes. The pads are like new and lots left while the rotors are mint. Still original and approaching 70k.