Dealership ?Vs? Aftermarket ? Brake Service

[matespace]

This is something that can be toyed with, with any aspect when maintaining the car. The question always arises, is it cheaper/better to go factory? OR Should I use aftermarket parts? Earlier in the week we got to work to try and answer these questions for ourselves.



The car at hand was a 2008 Mazda 3 MPS, the owner need to change brake rotors, pads and fluids. After receiving a quote for parts and installation from Mazda at $1989.24 (see break down below), we crunched the numbers and purchased a set F+R DBA Replacement Rotors ($580.00), F+R Bendix Brake Pads ($215.00) and Bendix Brake Fluid ($20.00).



We have all the ingredients ready, so work started. We got car up on jack stands and first took apart the Brake System. Dismounting the calipers, removing the old brake pads and brake rotors. From there a quick clean to all parts, using the Bendix Brake Cleaner / Degreaser we had purchased.



Clean, prepped and ready for the new aftermarkets rotors and pads to be installed. On go the DBA Brake Rotors, followed by installation of the Calipers and the new Bendix Brake pads. Now to bleed the brakes, a quick double check all nuts and bolts are tight and on go the wheels!

After spending about 2.5hours from start to finish, and saving $XXX we?re confident to say DIY Brake Servicing is the way to go!

Mazda Service Center Quote:



For more information on Bendix products Click Here

[M500]

Can confirm this is the way to go. Just replaced F & R discs, pads & sensors on a 2005 ML500 for under $700 instead of circa $2500 from the local MB dealer.

[carmooch]

Nice little write-up but no surprises there. I'll never understand why people insist on OEM consumables like tyres, brakes and fluids when aftermarket is just as good, if not better.