My '98 626 brakes are moaning & groaning & won't stop! They had always squealed a bit; but in May04 @ 80k miles, I had brake work done by Tires Plus - New front & rear rotors and front & rear pads (semi-metallic). The front brakes began groaning loudly when I applied pressure to the brake pedal at very low speeds (pulling up to stop light, parking space, etc.), especially when turning to the left. The shop told me they couldn't replicate the problem. However, I made it clear it was a problem & they did the following, under warranty:

They turned the front rotors. Problem still there.
They replaced the front pads (ceramic). Problem still there.

The problem was then primarily in the rear.

They turned the rear rotors. Problem still there.
They replaced the rear pads (ceramic). Problem still there.
They replaced the rear pads (organic). Problem still there.

I took it to a different shop (same chain).
They turned the rear rotors. Problem still there.
They replaced the rear pads w/ pads from the Mazda dealer. Problem still there.

The shop guys tell me they can't figure it out. I see the Mazda6 forum has a lot of feedback that sounds like this same problem.

I'd appreciate hearing from anybody who might have any ideas.

I CAN TELL YOU THAT THIS SOUNDS VERY STRANGE.


GROANING IS USUALLY CAUSED BY DEFECTIVE PARTS AND OR INSTALLATION.


I WOULD RECOMMEND YOU BUY MAZDA ROTORS AND PADS-NOT AFTERMARKET EQUIP. AND HAVE THAT INSTALLED.


ALSO IF THE HUBS ARE DISTORTED-HAVE THEM LIGHTLY MACHINE THE NEW ROTORS WITH AN ON CAR LATHE.


HOPE THIS HELPS

Thanks for the info, MazdaService. I'll try it.

Yeah try the mazda discs. However, i have know a friend that experienced a slight grinding (i don't know what a groaning car sounds like so i cannot say for certain this is your problem) noise when under severe braking at low speed, which was due to the higher grade compond discs that where installed. At lower temp a noise is heard but at high speed they do the job. Also the cheap discs used to leave a lot of brake dust on the front wheels, the higher grade do not do this.

This is strictly a pad issue. Use stock-type pads, nothing fancy, and put anti-squeal shims behind them. If they still make noise its a desing issue and there won't be much you can do. It sounds like you've changed them multiple times already, I wouldn't waste any more money.