I've had my '08 Mazda5 Sport since March and have loved every drive. Today, I managed a feat I've yet seen in all my years of tinkering on vehicles: just into third gear, I broke a front rotor while braking (granted, it was hard braking to keep from rear-ending a line of cars around a blind curve, but still). Ringed it off right behind the hub, almost where it connects to the rotor fin the pads grab. Who does that?

Some digging around hasn't brought up any information on whether this is a common occurrence... Anyone here have a similar issue?

Regardless, everyone is safe--there was a convenient parking lot to wait the tow truck in. Got new front rotors and ceramic pads on the way. Here's to an adventurous week!

 

I want to say I am glad to read that you are safe and it reads you did not damage your MAZDA to badly.

The only way to really get an idea is if you post a detailed high resolution pictures of the rotor and close up of where it broke.

While not common it happens. I won't post what can cause it because it would only be a guess unless I can see pictures. Most of the time either shops or mechanic have seen this happen as well anyone that races has had it happen or seen it happen at an event.

 

“Who does that?” Obviously you do. Never heard of anyone else coming close. If you get a chance to look at where it broke off; was there excessive corrosion or a visible casting defect?
Glad no one got hurt. Could have been nasty.

 

Ha! It would seem so. Called my dad about it (he's been a mechanic for longer than he can remember), and he's never seen it happen. While waiting for the tow, I removed the wheel to check it out, but couldn't see any visible signs of defects; but those could have chipped away when trying to get it to a safe parking spot. Didn't spot any excessive corrosion either. I'm guessing it was a casting defect of some sort. I'm just glad it happened where it did, and not somewhere more dangerous.

Doesn't seem to be further damage, but I'll no more when I get everything apart to replace the parts. I'll post some pictures when I do.
I can see something like that happening at a race. From everything I can tell with it, it's been a well-treated family car it's whole life.

 

In the mean time.....

This is some good reading.

https://www.knowyourparts.com/techni...-damage-noise/

 

Good reading. The rotors on it weren't ones I'd installed; I can only hope the ones coming in are of good quality. Seem to have good reviews, so here's hoping. Regardless, I'll feel better driving it after this, with parts I've put on myself. Thanks for the info!

 

Please post updates on your resolve, this is a good thread!