Ok, so I was assuming the correct response by a dealer to a TSB is to take the TSB, confirm it if they're not sure about it, then perform it.

I took my car in for the recall, then asked them to do the TSB for the brake squeal (My VIN falls under the range and I have REALLY bad brake squeal) and an oil change. They listed my brake problem as "check brakes for squeal" with no reference to TSB. I offered them the TSB I printed out three different times. Each time they said "oh, we don't need it. we have everything we need."

So when I get my car back, they tell me "there's nothing wrong with your brakes, you need to get them cleaned every 6,000 miles." I'm pretty sure the problem's going to start up again in like a few weeks since I've taken it into another dealer and they tried spraying the brakes with something and it helped for all of a week (this was before I knew there was an actual TSB for it).

I'm pretty sure this means I should find another dealership to go to but I'm just wondering if the dealership is always supposed to perform all valid TSBs instead of trying to weasel their way out of it? This really pissed me off since I kept on trying to get them to even LOOK at the TSB and they flat out refused to even touch it.

And uh, anyone in the LA/Pasadena area with a recommendation for a GOOD mazda dealership to go to?

 

another dealership this is scam city

I walk in with the TSB they do it...no questions asked usually (even for an ENTIRE Nav replacement that was not TSB related)

The get more money to 'clean your brakes' than do the TSB I bet

tell them to go and find another dealer or if there is no dealer in close get a hold of MNAO and make sure they shape up

 

Which one did you go to? I went to Browning Mazda with the TSB and I got it done, but now it's back after 5000 miles..

 

same here! my brake squeel is back after about 5K!

I'm bringing it in next week

 

I went to Alhambra Mazda.

The attitude really annoyed me though and I talked to a friend with a Mazda 6 and he said "Yeah, the service there isn't bad, but I left feeling highly unsatisfied". Which pretty much is what I felt. Like I can't say they treated me badly, but I was left feeling very unsatisfied.

 

If they drove the car and the brakes didn't squeal, they did what most service bulletins direct. That is, verify the problem and if verified, complete the service. If unable to verify the problem, send the customer on their way. Whether or not they even tried to verify the problem is another thing, of course.

As others have stated, don't expect a long-lasting solution to this problem. Brake pad compounds often become glazed over time, particularly if they are frequently overheated, and brake dust builds up in the pad grooves--then they squeal. Also, the composition of brake pad material is usually a trade-off, i.e., stopping power vs. noise. So if you want optimum stopping power, you may have to live with the noise. One temporary solution that usually works is to remove the pads, clean the brake dust from the groove in the pads and then sand the surface to remove the glazing. Of course, that's not something you, or the dealers, want to do very frequently.

 

I'm 90% sure they drove the car and it squealed like mad. I have some hardcore brake squeal and they DID take the time to "fix" it by cleaning it. But my whole point is if I fit under the TSB's VIN range and I report the problem and they can verify it, then I was under the impression that they should fix it according to the TSB rather than trying to come up with their own cheaper fix? I mean like I said in the first place, they flat out refused to even give a passing glance at the TSB I brought in and printed out. Everytime I pushed it toward the guy, he barely looked down and pushed it back towards me.

I don't really expect a long term solution and actually I can live with the brake squeal. I just didn't the attitude of "bah, who cares about the TSB, I'll do it MY way."

And has anyone else heard of the "you're supposed to take it in every 6,000 miles for brake cleaning" thing?

 

Every dealer is different. The larger ones have usually seen the TSB before and they know what to expect. Mine didn't even test drive the car before they replaced the pads.

Mine started squealing 4k miles after the TSB. It's almost worth shelling out the cash to put your own aftermarket pads on.

 

I went in a few times with SB requests for the brakes and they told me that it makes that sound because it is a better product for serious cars.....yada yada yada

Then I went in a few weeks later and didn't mention the SB and said, " My brakes are squealing 8 out of 10 times." They said nothing of a service bullshitein and fixed it.

I have also had all 4 lights replaced with no trouble. I would suggest finding another dealership. Some service guys get it, others have a N complex.

Oh yeah, I have had the oil pan and the sensor replaced with no sweat.

 

You should call MNAO at the 800 number in your owners manual. It is specifically stated in the manual that if you cannot get a warranty problem resolved by the dealer to call them directly. Tell them what you told us.