I'm at 40k and it's time for new brakes. However, the dealership is telling me I need new rotors. I've never owned a Mazda before but I have owned others types of cars and I've never had to replace the rotors w/ the first brake replacement. The service manager at the dealership told me that it's normal for the 6 and the Tribune ( he said it's the same for some German cars). I'm not hard on my brakes. I don't hear a grinding noise or any other noise that would indicate abuse to the rotors.
Can anyone please tell me if it is normal to replace rotors the first time around?

Thanks in advance!

Linda

 

On some vehicles it is normal. The Tribute is a good example of one. The Mazda 6 is not. I have resurfaced many 6 brake rotors but have yet needed to replace any. The only reason rotors would need to be replaced is if they are too thin. The minimum thickness on your rotors is 23mm. Does your brake pedal and steering wheel shake or vibrate when braking at freeway speeds?. If they do then your rotors are warped and should be resurfaced unless they are near or below minimum thickness. Ask them to show you why they need to be replaced if you are unsure and even request to watch the thickness measurement being taken. Is your 6 no longer covered under factory warranty? Brake rotors are covered for 4 years and 50,000 miles in the US. Brake pads are not. If the rotors are worn below this minimum thickness and not caused by neglect then your warranty should cover their replacement

 

Thank you for the information. My brake pedal nor my steering wheel shake or vibrate. My 6 is still under warranty, I was not aware that rotors were covered for that long.
What would cause the rotors to warp? (which is what the dealership told me the problem was)
I suppose I should get a second opinion.

 

Are your brake pads acually worn out or are they just trying to tell you they are. Have had 6 in with over 70k miles and brake pads are still at 50-60%. Do you have another dealer in the area that you can go see?? Tell them that you hear brake noise at slow speeds as in parking at the mall that sounds like a moan noise when turning sharp into parking space. there are updated brake pads available to correct this concern at no charge to you. If your brake rotors are warped which it does not sound like they are from your description of brake performance then they will also resurface your rotors or replace them if they do not have and on-car-lathe as specified. If they balk at this them tell them to check Mazda TSB 04-004/04 and see what they say. This bulleitin from Mazda specifies replacing the front brake pads with updated pads and shims as well as resurfacing the rotors and/or replacing as needed. Do not get a second opinion that will cost you $$$. Try this and see what happens.

 

It's interesting because my car has been making a squealing noise for almost two years now. It's only when I put it in reverse. I wonder if this TSB would apply to that. I did call Mazda North America the other day and they told me that rotors are not covered under warranty pass 12 months. I will take it to another Mazda dealership and present the TSB report. Thank you for your help!

 

Brake pads may not be covered if they are worn out but rotors should be especially due to the problems they have with them. Push the issue if you need to and you will find that they will step up and repair the problem. Don't be afraid to stir it up a little bit. they know there is a concern with this problem and if you are persistant they should do the work for you under warranty.