Service Bulletin

Mazda North American Operations
Irvine, CA 92618-2922

S maZDa~

© 2014 Mazda Motor of America , Inc.

Subject:

Bulletin No:

04-004/14
,.

BRAKE NOISE, JUDDER AND DRAGGING DIAGNOSIS AND SERVICING
Last Issued:

05/20/2014

BULLETIN NOTE
• This bulletin supersedes the previous bulletin , 04-04/2013 issued 11/11/2013, 04-007/11issued10/17/11 ,
and 04-006/09 issued 06102109 . The APPLICABLE MODEL(S)NINS and REPAIR PROCEDURE have been
revised .
• Changes are noted below in Red beside the change ba·r.

APPLICABLE MODEL(S)NINS

2011-2014 Mazda2

2003-2015 Mazda6

2007-2014 CX-9

2004-2014 Mazda3

2013-2015 CX-5

2006-2015 MX-5

2006-2014 Mazda5

2007-2012 CX-7

2004-2011 RX-8

DESCRIPTION
Some vehicles exhibit brake related concerns such as b·rake noise, brake judder or brake dragging. If you
encounter a customer complaint for any one of these symptoms, refer to the following information to understand
why symptoms may occur, and to better assist the customer in resolving their specific brake concern .

REPAIR PROCEDURE
BRAKE NOISE
There are various types of brake noise and many different conditions that can cause noise. Frictional co-efficient between brake pads and rotors varies depending on pad material, temperature , humidity, braking force ,
etc. During braking, the brake pads are pressed with great force against the brake rotor. This generates friction
:
· ·
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to bring the vehicle to a stop.
• If the brake pads are of a soft compound , a larger amount of brake dust will appear on the wheels and the
pads will wear more rapidly, but there will be less chance of brake noise.
• If the brake pads are of a hard compound (as used in high-performance applications}, less brake dust will
appear, the pads will last longer, and braking performance will be improved . However, the drawback is that
brake noise can occur more easily than with softer compounds.
Finding a balanced compound with the qualities of both hard and soft compounds is difficult.
If you encounter a customer complaint for brake noise, first determine which wheel the noise is located at and
repair the cause of the noise. After the repair is complete , explain to the customer that it is very difficult to completely eliminate brake noise from any vehicle , and that the noise could return with increased time and mileage.

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CONSUMER NOTICE: The information and instructions in this bulletin are intended for use by skilled technicians. Mazda technicians utilize the proper tools/
equipment and take training to correctly and safely maintain Mazda vehicles. These instructions should not be performed by "do-it-yourselfers." Customers
should not assume this bulletin applies to their vehicle or that their vehicle will develop the described concern . To determine if the information applies,
customers should contact their nearest authorized Mazda dealership. Mazda North American Operations reserves the right to alter the specifications and
contents of this bulletin without obligation or advance notice. All rights reserved . No part of this bulletin may be reproduced in any form or by any means,
electronic or mechanical-including photocopying and recording and the use of any kind of information storage and retrieval system --without permission in
writing .

Last Issued: 05/20/2014

Bulletin No: 04-004/14
© 2014 Mazda Motor of America, Inc.

Groan Or Squeak Noise:
• If the noise is a groan or squeak while the brakes are applied, refinish the brake pads (providing they have
adequate thickness) using sandpaper (grit #80) or replace the brake pads with new parts.
Brake Dragging Noise:
• If the noise is due to brake dragging, check the caliper and sliders to ensure they are not seized. Rebuild or
replace the caliper and sliders as necessary.
Rattle Or Clunk Noise:
• If a rattle or clunk noise is present, replace the brake pad shims/mounting hardware or replace the pads after
inspecting the fit of all parts and determining the cause of the excessive clearance.
When performing a repair requiring refinishing or replacement of the brake pads, lightly sand (use grit #80) the
brake rotors to remove old pad material. In most cases, brake rotor replacement is not necessary to remedy a
brake noise condition.
NOTE:

..
Apply locally sourced CRC Disc Brake Quie,t (i;>/N 05016) to t~e pad backing plates before each of
the above repairs.
Do not use grinding wheels or air power tools.

BRAKE JUDDER
Brake judder (or warping) is caused by uneven thickness (run-out) of the brake rotor. During braking, the clearance between the pads and rotor becomes wider and narrower. This causes force onto the pads and may create a vibration. Vibration is transferred through the brake hydraulic system and/or suspension and can be felt by
the customer through the brake pedal, vehicle floor and/or steering wheel. Even micron-size unevenness may
cause brake judder. Brake judder is more noticeable when slowing from a higher speed.
In most cases when brake judder is diagnosed, the rotqrs can be machined. using an on-car lathe anQ. the pads
can be refinished using sandpaper to restore braking ·performance.
NOTE: DO NOT use an off-car lathe for warranty repair.

..

It is not necessary to replace the rotors and pads unless:
• Excessive unevenness (run-out) of the rotors is presenfthat cannot be remedied by resurfaCing without
exceeding the minimum thickness of the rotor. .
• Excessive heat damage to the rotor (may include heat cracking).
Excessive heat damage to the pads.
When you encounter a customer complaint for brake judder, discuss the customer's driving and vehicle storage
habits. Identify which wheel is causing the judder and visually inspect the rotors and pads to identify the cause.
NOTE: Refer to MS3 online service information or Workshop Manual section 04-50 for lateral run~out, minimum rotor, and minimum pad thickness specifications for the s·uo]ect vehicle.
Rust:
• If rust on the rotors and/or brake pads is identified as the cause of the unevenness, measure the lateral runout and machine the rotors using an on-car lathe; refinish the pads with sandpaper (grit #80).
• If machining the rotors does not correct the brake judder, replace the rotors.

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Bulletin No: 04-004/1 4

Last Issued: 05/20/2014

© 2014 Mazda Motor of America, Inc.

Excessive Heat Damage:
• If the rotors have excessive heat damage or cracking, replace them .
NOTE: Signs of rotor heat damage include blue spots or hard spots.
• If the rotors do not have excessive heat damage or cracking, measure the lateral run-out an.d machine the
rotors using an on-car lathe. If machining the rotors does not correct the brake judder, replace the rotors.
• If the brake pads are heat damaged, replace them .
NOTE: Signs of brake pad heat damage include shiny surfaces or backing plate paint flaking.
• If the brake pads are not heat damaged, refinish them with sandpaper (grit #80) .

Brake Pad Dragging:
A dragging brake pad will cause excessive heat and may warp the rotors. This may result in brake judder. Perform the inspection and repair for "Excessive Heat Damage". ·
NOTE: During rotor replacement, ensure the hub is free from any foreign substances that may prevent the
rotor from fitting flush against the hub. A rotor that does not fit flush against the hub may experience a
repeat brake judder.

BRAKE DRAGGING
This procedure. will assist in finding the cause and appropriate repair for the brake dragging.

Inspection:
( •

1. Safely raise the vehicle on a hoist.

2. Determine which wheel the brake dragging is occurring' from .
.

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.

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3. Remove the wheel, then rotate the brake rotor by hand to confirm the brake dragging.

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4. Loosen, but do not remove the two (2) bolts securing the caliper to the bracket.
5. With the brake

pa~s

still installed , remov,e the pottom bolt and rotate the caliper upwards.

6. Rotate the rotor by hand again and confirm if brake dragging is still present.
If the brake dragging is still present, check for the following :
Brake pads seized in the mounting support/hardware.
Contact between the brake rotor and other components.
A seized wheel bearing.
Brake booster push rod out of adjustment.
If the brake dragging is not present, check for the following:
A seized or slow to return caliper piston.
A seized caliper slide pin(s) ..
Lateral run-out of the rotor excee.ds specification .

Page 3 of 4

Bulletin No: 04-004/14

Last Issued: 05/20/2014

© 2014 Mazda Motor of A meri ca , Inc.

Inspection Results & Repair:
• If seized brake pads are found, clean the mounting support/hardware and brake pads before reinstalling .
• If contact between the brake rotor and other components is found , repair as necessary.
• If a seized wheel bearing is found , replace it according to MS3 online service information or the appropriate
Workshop Manual.
• If the brake booster push rod is out of adjustment, readjust according to MS3 online service information or
the appropriate Workshop Manual.
• If a problem is found with the caliper piston return , check for the possibility of water entry due to caliper piston
boot breakage or poor sealing, etc. Review the vehicle's maintenance and repair history before deciding on
whether to rebuild or replace the caliper.
• If seized caliper slide pin(s) are found , remove the pins. Clean and lubricate the pins, then reinstall.
• If a brake rotor run-out problem is found , machine the rotors using an on-car lathe and refinish the brake
pads using sandpaper (grit #80) .
·

NOTE:

DO NOT use an off-car lathe for warranty repair.

WHEEL AND TIRE INSTALLATION
NOTE: DO NOT use air powered tools to install wheels. Using power tools to tighten wheel nuts may cause
repeat brake failure .
When installing the wheels and tires, tighten the wheel nuts using a torque wrench. Wheel nut tightening torque
can be found on MS3 online or Workshop Manual (section 04-10 GENERAL PROCEDURES (1;3RAKE)) .

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