Do you guys have any recommendation on aftermarket replacement rotors and pads?
I drive pretty gentle (e.g., not speeding, no sudden brake), and I miss the smooth and firm braking when the car was new.
Not sure if 15k miles is the normal wear for '23 CX5, but I hope I can find something that last longer.

 

Welcome to the forum.

15k and you needed brakes...
It would appear your braking isn't so gentle
I have great breaking technique and even with frequent use of sport mode and a heavy foot on my local twisties...
The first brake service on my 2020 was at 36K and I still had a bit more to go.

As for aftermarket there will be many opinions, but it basically comes down to how large a wallet you have.
If I had unlimited funds, I would choose Brembo or EBC and replace everything: calipers, rotors, pads and update to stainless lines maybe increase master cylinder.
However, my funds are not unlimited and I normally choose Powerstop rotors/pads kit (about $450 for your 2023 CX-5 turbo).
Evolution Brake Upgrade Kit for Daily Drivers | Quiet and Clean
All three make great rotors and pads as does Bosch. Even your local NAPA or other parts stores will stock pads and rotors that are better than the Mazda OEM.
I'm sure others will chime in.

 

Welcome to the forum

Repeat of Lobstah recommendation and comments! ~

 

Thanks for the recommendation. They look great!
Never had drilled rotor, but it seems like they won't warp as easily as stock ones.

Would you happen to know how much would be fair labor price for installing rotor/pads?
I have been given a quote of ~1,290 (labor & parts) from an independent mechanic (not sure what grade of parts of being used)

 

Driller or slotted rotors are for looks on most all Mazda and actually most street driven vehicles that are technically under the market as a daily driver. There is no performance gain that can be really measure having them.
Actually test have shown that if your vehicle was not designed in the braking system for them that your braking specification will decrees in performance specification like 60mph to 0. Also emergency or ABS assisted braking will be slightly less.

But they sure look sweet if you have a set of wheel that can show them off.

 

I paid $1075 at my "local wrench" two months ago for rotors, pads and install.

 

Haha, with my stock wheels, not that the stock wheels look bad, but because the spokes are pretty thick(?) it would be almost hidden : )

 

Thanks for sharing the cost. I will need to get another quote from local shop too.
Compared to what you paid, ~1,290 seems a bit expensive especially when they don't tell what parts are being used.

 

Thats because they gave you a generalized estimate. You can request a detailed estimate from them.

Keep in mind that it is very difficult to compare estimates from anyone that is not in your state and city as labor rates and parts prices vary a lot!!

 

Let me give you another suggestion. I recently had my front rotors and pads replaced with OE Mazda parts. I asked my dealer and they wanted 600 for the job. I purchased the parts online (~$200 delivered) and had a local mobile mechanic install them in my driveway for $150. 350 was a lot better to me than 600. I wish I had bought another brand of rotors now as I have read the Mazda rotors are not great. Next time I will use something else. I just purchased rear brakes and pads (Bosch) and paid ~$100 for all of it from RockAuto as at my last service visit they said my rear rotors were in the yellow (4mm). I may try and replace them myself.

As an aside, RockAuto has a deal on the Powerstop Z23 slotted and drilled rotors right now. If you get a single set you get a $50 rebate, 110 for a full set. It makes it a really good deal. Considering buying a full set for my Frontier.

PS_OCTOBER_MIR_2024.pdf