Looking for Advice on NB Brake Pads

[Mr Morlock]

I still think a Mazda sourced component is likely to be fit for purpose- they don't want customer complaints- panel shops the whole gamut.

[hks_kansei]

It will certainly be fit for the purpose.
But may not necessarily be the best, or the best value.

Many of the Mazda components etc are no longer manufacture by Mazda them self, and are now outsourced.
Often you can purchase the identical unit at a substantial discount by going directly through the manufacturer.


I did that years ago with my old Mazda when it needed a replacement brake master cylinder.
Mazda no longer made them, and were supplying PBR components in Mazda boxes (as I was told by the parts dept)
They quoted somewhere around $450 for the unit.

I instead contacted a PBR retailer and purchased the same unit, in a PBR box rather than a Mazda one, for $180
Same warranty etc.

[madmort]

I still think a Mazda sourced component is likely to be fit for purpose- they don't want customer complaints- panel shops the whole gamut.

If you can afford them!

[StanTheMan]

I used Mazda OEM pads on my NB - put them in and never had any issues. Not dusty either.

Just returned from Mazda spare parts, OEM rears are now not available. The fronts at $427.00 are just a little out of my league.

Yea I had those from a NB8A JDM imort. They are an awesome pad. but for $427....thats crazy,

$250 Id be more than willing to pay for it.

[StanTheMan]

QFM A1RM

sorry are those the OEM Pad we are talking about or is that just something you are recommending?

[hks_kansei]

QFM A1RM

sorry are those the OEM Pad we are talking about or is that just something you are recommending?

Non MAzda brand.

QFM is the brand, and A1RM is the pad model.


From memory the QFM pads go from Standard - HPX - A1RM

Standard being OEM equivalent, HPX being a mildly sporty one, and the A1RM being a more sporty again

[RS2000]

It will certainly be fit for the purpose.
But may not necessarily be the best, or the best value.

Many of the Mazda components etc are no longer manufacture by Mazda them self, and are now outsourced.
Often you can purchase the identical unit at a substantial discount by going directly through the manufacturer.


I did that years ago with my old Mazda when it needed a replacement brake master cylinder.
Mazda no longer made them, and were supplying PBR components in Mazda boxes (as I was told by the parts dept)
They quoted somewhere around $450 for the unit.

I instead contacted a PBR retailer and purchased the same unit, in a PBR box rather than a Mazda one, for $180
Same warranty etc.

I'd say that Mazda never made brake parts. Like all manufacturers, thousands of OEM parts that go into a new car are made by an authorised sub-contractor, to the car manufacturers specs (with the car manufacturers name stamped or cast on in lots of cases). OEM doesn't mean made by the manufacturer, it just means its the same as the part that was originally installed.
So in lots of cases, the aftermarket supplier could well be the original contracted supplier.

[hks_kansei]

When the MX5 (well, NB at least) was new the pads were supplied by Sumitomo.


The pads they supply now are no longer from Sumitomo, but from another brand, likely for cost saving.

[manga_blue]

My NA8 had the original Sumitomo factory pads too. I used them on first couple of track days I did. Even at learner level I experienced moderate fade and poor bite but at least they didn't crumble under heat like a lot of lower quality pads do.

Buying OEM pads from Mazda makes as much sense to me as buying OEM tyres from them. Quality and performance moves on.

Edit: I still have them! I really need to clean the shed out a bit.

IMG_20181019_181725609.jpg

[Mr Morlock]

RS2000 is correct- of course the car companies do not make all the parts. What they normally do is set the design of the vehicle and set the specs required and then use their preferred suppliers. The brakes would have had a spec and tested accordingly. Its highly likely that the OEM part meets the spec.The original OEM supplier may not even be in business anymore or have stopped making certain components. A Mazda guy I know says stocked brake pads are made to a Mazda spec - I take that as probable. I would definitely buy OEM parts for a road car if the price is not beyond reason.

[JBT]

I bought genuine Mazda pads for the NC when the originals became worn. They were awful. Stopped great but howled and squealed until they got hot - and they were expensive.

Got rid of them and replaced with Remsa and then QFM HPX. Both those were quiet with excellent stopping for street.
Remsa were also good for track.
HPX no good for track.
HPX far less dusty than Remsa and a bit less dusty than OE.

Highly recommend QFM HPX from Brakes Direct for street and spirited driving and for less $$$.

[StanTheMan]

Well. I upgraded my front brakes on an Na6 to the NB8A brakes & pads that came straight off an car being converted to a race car.
OMG! I just recall the inotial bite. And stopping power in comparison to before. Sticky tyres also helped. They lasted for ages. They had countless drives up putty and old pack tearing up tarmack. Best pad & tyre combo ive ever experienced. A few track days thrown in as well. This is well over a decade ago....

Sent from my SM-G935F using Tapatalk

[StanTheMan]

My track efforts were nothing serious i must add. Always fun but never any faster than mid 16s at wakefield

Sent from my SM-G935F using Tapatalk