Just got back from oil change at the dealership,
now I need front brakes/rotors, they charge $650,

Where do you all get your MS3 brakes replaced? and for how much?

Or if someone here is willing to do them for me let me know how much you'd charge,

Just thought I'd check... thanks

The dealer charges almost $200 for the stock front brake pads alone. My advice would be to pick up aftermarket brake parts (i.e. Hawk pads and Stoptech/Powerslot rotors) that are cheaper with a performance gain over stock. Then, if you don't replace em yourself, go to a brake shop and have them do it.

Buy them yourself, then DIY it
http://www.mazda3forums.com/index.php?topic=91786.0

Brake Meet? (too soon?)

Brakes are pretty easy if you have some basic tools and a jack/jackstands. You don't want to cheap out on the pads and rotors on a performance car, but $650 is ridiculously expensive.

erod550 wrote:Brakes are pretty easy if you have some basic tools and a jack/jackstands. You don't want to cheap out on the pads and rotors on a performance car, but $650 is ridiculously expensive.

+1

FYI the rear brakes need a special tool to push the piston back in due to the e-brake system. I use THIS

I discovered that most aftermarket brake pads for this car are not correct shape or design. With the exception of the high performance brands of course. But as far as basic pads like the ones you get from Auto Zone, etc., they're not designed properly.

Just get Hawk HPS pads. They increase your stopping power with little brake dust.

I haven't had to clean only my front wheels every week since I switched.

RichB wrote:+1

FYI the rear brakes need a special tool to push the piston back in due to the e-brake system. I use THIS

I just did my car and did the free rental from autozone for the same tool and it worked great. They charged $60 but you get it back when you return the tool.


Geo, Brakes are a very quick and easy job. If you are willing to come down to the springs, I can help. I wouldn't worry about getting powerslot rotors, just get brembo blank rotors and hawk hps pads. Tire Rack sells everything you need.
http://www.tirerack.com/brakes/results.jsp?autoMake=Mazda&autoModel=MazdaSpeed3&autoYear=2008&autoModClar=

I use a tool similar to this one: http://www.autozone.com/autozone/accessories/OEM-Disc-brake-pad-spreader/_/N-26l5?itemIdentifier=141493&_requestid=854421

Just put one of the old pads back on there and have this tool push against it to push the piston back in without worrying about damaging the piston or boot. Works great.

I used a big C-clamp that was $10 at Harbor Frieght, worked great. x2 on pads being really easy. Having the rotors machined is a good idea but not mandatory unless they're really worn. Most auto parts stores can do it for you. I saw a little less initial bite with Hawk HP-S pads and actually liked the stock ones better for daily driving. I'd do the Hawks again though because of the massive price difference. If you're up north, let me know if you need help, I might be able to. I may be able to do them for you if you want and are willing to bring your car up to Frederick.

I did mine for around $200. Centric blanks and HPS pads. My rears had tons of life left. No need to change them out usually. Fronts are cake to replace. Took maybe an hour.

awesome thanks so much for the advice guys, I'll be ordering some pads/rotors tonight or tomorrow
the back breaks are fine so i'll leave those alone for a while...

Still unsure about trying to replace the front's myself, Ive never done rotors, and I kind'of have really bad car-luck...

If you can do pads, you can do rotors. It's 2 more bolts to remove the caliper. You don't have to unhook any of the brake lines or anything. Just move the caliper off the rotor and the rotor just pulls off. Worst case you have to take a rubber mallet and a piece of wood and tap it loose. Then just slide the new rotor on, reattach the caliper, and proceed as normal replacing the pads. Piece of cake.

You'll want a coat hanger or something to hold the caliper in place while you're replacing the rotor. You don't want it to hang by the brake line as the caliper weighs too much.

Not sure what part of town you're in, but I'd be willing to do the labor if you're really against doing it yourself.