My 8 was the subject of an unofficial recall. A brake squeal problem, very minor, only happens after sitting a few hours, then disappears after a few applications of the brake. But they phoned to say they would replace the pads, so I figure, why not?

So an hour after I drop her off the service writer phones to say they can't get the wheels off. I say something along the lines of, "You've got to be kidding me," and the service writer says the aftermarket rims must need a special socket or something, 'cause they can't figure out how to get 'em off. I really don't know what the hell he's talking about, but I go back for the car and take it back to the tire place where I bought the rims. When they stop laughing they point out the problem. These rims have a small hubcap, a larger plate-like thing that covers the bolts and then the rim itself. The plate has a screw that secures it to the rim. The Mazda geniuses never noticed the screw, I guess, and tried to fit a socket through the small hub cap hole. Either that or they tried to pry the plate off, because it was nicked up pretty good (although not visibly with the cap in place).

Anyway, I eventually took the car back to Mazda. They replaced the pads and sent me on my way. I'd like to say everybody lived happily ever after, but in fact the brake squeal is now 10 times worse than it was before.

 

dang, sorry to hear that bro. yea I got that little brake problem with my car too, so I guess I can expect a call/letter very soon.

 

So, are you going to take it back to Mazda and have them try to fix it again or what?

 

I wouldn't worry about it. I had the same break squeal problem. I called up Mazda about it and they said they would look at it and while it was in upgrade the front pads. They replaced my whole brakes and they still squeaked. I was about to go into the dealer again and complain but my brother told me that new brakes like to squeak and they were probably just getting worn in. I listened to him and in 2000 miles I still haven't heard anything. Best of luck.

 

Guess that makes you a genius too since you don't know how to get the wheels off you car...
Good thing you didn't have a blow-out prior to this because you'd be S.O.L. putting your spare on.

 

I'm confused. Are you telling us that there is really an "unofficial" recall that's about to happen and you're the first? Or are you saying that you got your brake pads replaced under a TSB that has been previously issued??

 

Quote:
Good thing you didn't have a blow-out prior to this because you'd be S.O.L. putting your spare on.

a.) I don't carry a spare. The trunk is small enough as it is.
b.) True, I haven't removed the wheels up to this point. Does that make me a bad person?
c.) I phoned the tire store before taking it there. They didn't remember the rims specifically. Some do need a special socket, but not, I imagine, one that goes around corners.

Another quote:
I'm confused. Are you telling us that there is really an "unofficial" recall that's about to happen and you're the first? Or are you saying that you got your brake pads replaced under a TSB that has been previously issued??

I'm saying what I said. They phoned me, asked about squealing brakes and offered to replace the pads. I'd guess it was a TSB

 

Brake pads have had a service bulliten out for a long time...

http://www.finishlineperformance.com...6-04-1369b.pdf

 

funny thing is they called me about that same thing last week because of my aftermarket wheels . I was 60 miles away and they said to come in to remove the lug nuts myself, ha,ha,.... I told the mechanic use the thin wall socket he had and go for it...He did a good job anyways and I got my free pads...