I've had my front brakes done a few months ago at the dealer and it was exorbitant! Now the rear brakes need doing and I 'm not going back to the dealer. This is the first rear brake job on my 2005 (bought in 06) RX-8, and odo is 70K km. First of all, is it likely I need new rear rotors (I'm hearing some grinding so not good) or can they be machined? Secondly, can anyone suggest replacement rotors and pads, and a Canadian source (or a US source if price is reasonable)? A local garage tells me that the Mazda rear rotors are $170 each and pads are $90 each, so total job is $600. Sounds pricey to me. I'd like to find cheaper but still decent parts and either take those to the garage, or do the job myself.

I thought I read something somehwere about a lifetime warranty on Mazda pads. Is that possible? Is that on original or replacement?

Thanks, ..Roger

 

https://www.rx8club.com/series-i-do-yourself-forum-73/diy-how-change-your-rear-brake-pads-172382/

 

Hi
Where do you live?

OEM parts cost a lot. I ordered Racing brake rotors and Hawk Ceramic pads.

 

If you are replacing your first set of pads...you should just need to do the pads...rotors and calipers should be fine

Make sure you clean and lube the caliper slides with silicone brake lube..and you should be good to go

 

Darkbrew, I live in Ottawa.

Thanks everyone for the answers. I think I need to machine the rotors (assuming there is enough thickness left) though as they seem pretty rippled/bumpy on the outer 1cm.

..Roger

 

so where do I rent/borrow a disk caliper tool set in Canada?

..Roger

 

To answer the question, Canadian Tire should have them as a loan a tool. (If you local CT still has it.)

At the risk of opening a huge can of worms on proper procedure etc, I've only ever used a big C clamp on the fronts. For the rear, I got a little cheap cube-shaped adapter thing from Princess Auto for $5 or so, but honestly, I just end up using a big set of needle-nose pliers that fit the notches on the back caliper to turn it back in most times.

Once you've done it once, it's not that hard. I've done a set of pads all the way around in about 20-25 minutes, including swapping wheels while at the track before.
So, give the DIYs a read, take your time, and you should be able to do it your self without too much trouble.

 

Yeah its pretty easy, swapped my rotors, painted my calipers, changed the pads, installed SS brake lines, and put in high temp brake fluid on weekend. (i wasnt in a rush...)