This 2017 Mazda CX-5 came in with an intermittent squeak. We found the rear brake pads were almost down to their metal backing, with the wear indicator rubbing against the disc.
We replaced the pads using the electronic parking brake’s service mode. After reinitialising the system, the initial checks and road test seemed fine.
Further operation revealed another problem. The parking brake would release initially, but after logging a fault a couple of times, the right-hand rear side stopped actuating altogether.
Testing traced the problem to a sticking mechanism in the brake caliper rather than the electric motor. We replaced the caliper, and the problem was resolved.
Our suspicion is that wear in the caliper mechanism, combined with the different piston position after fitting new pads, brought the sticking issue to light. With the old pads worn so thin, the mechanism had been operating in a different position.
It’s a good example of why checks after a repair matter. The first road test appeared normal, but repeated operation of the parking brake revealed a fault that needed further investigation.
If your brakes are making an unusual noise or your parking brake isn’t behaving normally, get it checked. An intermittent squeak can be an early warning that the pads are nearly finished.
Contact Speedwell in Frankton, Hamilton to arrange a brake inspection.
