2009 Mazda5 - Rear Brake Calipers - Please Help Me Choose

[Number_35]

https://www.rockauto.com/en/catalog/mazda,2009,5,2.3l+l4,1443701,brake+&+wheel+hub,caliper,1704

The title says it all. Two decisions required - new or rebuilt, plus brand.

Thanks in advance!

 

[Trav]

HELLA/PAGID new. I have used them a few times and are satisfied with them.

 

[Number_35]

HELLA/PAGID new. I have used them a few times and are satisfied with them.

RA does not list rear calipers for my vehicle. I tried several other sellers and struck out. I wonder whether Hella/Pagid doesn't make the part.

 

[slacktide_bitog]

Any of the new coated calipers will be good, or any of the same on ebay or Amazon, such as these. If you prefer them to come from a Canadian warehouse, go here.

Since you have a parking brake using the regular pads/rotors, you basically have to replace the calipers every time anyway

RA does not list rear calipers for my vehicle. I tried several other sellers and struck out. I wonder whether Hella/Pagid doesn't make the part.

Honestly, I think only a few companies actually make them, possibly only 1 or 2 factories making the aftermarket calipers.

 

[IndyIan]

I find the Canadian Tire Pro-series parts pretty good, or even some of their cheaper lines if the reviews are good. I don't find RA with shipping is worth it anymore, unless its a clearance price.

 

[Number_35]

I find the Canadian Tire Pro-series parts pretty good, or even some of their cheaper lines if the reviews are good. I don't find RA with shipping is worth it anymore, unless its a clearance price.

Thank you!

A local auto-parts business gives me really good prices. They also wholesale to Canadian Tire. (I've heard a CT employee talking about bringing in parts from this other company.)

I'll call the wholesaler and see if they can sell me the equivalent of the Pro-series.

 

[IndyIan]

I seem to need to do stuff like calipers/shocks, ball joints in the 10-12+ year range and then they seem to last until the car is done in the next 60-70k miles. I also spray rustcheck or whatever on the bleeders, hardware, hose ends to keep it all in functional shape. I do recall now not having pin boots included for the one caliper, so I just reused the old ones. I can't remember which brand that was, but something to look for.

 

[thastinger]

We have the same car, bought it new and no my Daughter's college commuter. I've never replaced a caliper on in at 125K now, what is wrong with your calipers?

 

[Trav]

RA does not list rear calipers for my vehicle. I tried several other sellers and struck out. I wonder whether Hella/Pagid doesn't make the part.

Then the Wagner, who knows if they all come out of the same factories or not but I think it may be a matter of QC.

 

[Number_35]

We have the same car, bought it new and no my Daughter's college commuter. I've never replaced a caliper on in at 125K now, what is wrong with your calipers?

The piston in right rear caliper seized in the extended position.

I was able to pry the boot away from the piston far enough to be able to spray penetrating oil in, and was then able to twist the piston back in with vice grips while also apply force with a big (8") C-clamp.

The piston is now free, but I'm not willing to bet it won't fail again soon.

The van is at 222,600 km (about 138,000 miles).

 

[Trav]

That caliper either needs a rebuild or replacing, it will stick again in no time. Raybestos elements 3 were very good but they cheapened the line to the point they are real garbage. For the time being I wouldn't use anything First Brands had anything to do with, it is going to take time for other companies to take these brands over then who knows how long it will take to clear the old stock and if quality comes back to an acceptable level.

 

[Number_35]

Got the one (bad) side done this afternoon.

The parking-brake-cable assembly was the worst part. The cable housing ends in steel cylinder which is pressed into the caliper body.

It should pull right out, but after 17 years was rusted in place. After fighting with it for quite a while, I did a search for the issue. There was a helpful thread on Mazdas24/7 where the OP was dealing with the same thing.

Those from winterless climates didn't understand the problem.

Those from the rust belt did, and said that the only way to remove the parking-brake cable is to sacrifice the caliper housing by cutting relief slots.

That looked better to me than cutting the cable, so I got the grinder out.

Success! I'm beat, the other side (which is still working fine) can wait for another day.

Yes, I applied lots of anti-seize when installing the cable into the new caliper. I can't imagine anyone ever removing it, but who knows?

 

[PandaBear]

I would buy a new one that is coated since yours rust out. My dad's 5 is starting to rust in the rear caliper as well despite being in a non salted area, and that's the only car with a rusted caliper among our fleet. I would not trust a rebuild for this reason for this model.

As for brand, they likely are the same in different boxes. I remember looking for rear rotors and they are the odd one that doesn't share size with any other models in the world. Nobody would have the economy of scale to make for this model rotor / caliper is my guess. I would buy from a non-bankrupt, financially stable company, or just buy a close out deal from a known bankrupted company and take a chance.