I have a 2016 ST3, 114k miles, OEM brakes at 6mm or so, I mostly do highway.
Wagner OEX or Bosch Quietcast
Both are ceramic brake pads that will last longer. Brake fade is experienced in all brakes used excessively but it takes a lot longer in ceramic pads. The only draw back is stopping distance is slightly increase when cold but when warm it's decreased. Bonus is they produce less dust & its very light in color so your wheels look cleaner.
The best pads out there right now are the Wagner OEX pads cuz they're built on a galvanized steel backing plate with a mechanical fastening system for the friction material instead of glue. They don't rust out like plain steel pads
Wagner OEX brake pads are some of the best around. They're built on a galvanized steel backing plate to reduce rust and the pad material is connected to the plate with a mechanical attachment system instead of glue. Wagner is a Tier 1 supplier to several carmakers.
Wagner, Centric, Raybestos, Akebono are all very reliable brands. However, each one makes an economy, OEM and premium version. So don't go by brand name alone. Wagner OEX pads are premium quality. They're built on galvanized steel backing plates with mechanical attachment versus adhesive to keep the friction material on.
I put Wagner on mine. They have been good for around 35k miles on them so far. I don't see me replacing them for another 15k. I didn't like the OEM one and braking is really one of the weakspoints for the Mazda 6.
Been doing some research and debate myself. Come to the conclusion I would stick New Edge brakes in there. V6 and GT got the same brake package, and it's pretty robust, easy to find, and cheap. Remember it's designed for a 3000+ lb car and you're going to a 2400 lb car, so it's already overbraked, and being light it'll be easy on its consumables.
Ok, so, at a particular location I worked at we used Wagner Thermoquiets. Decent pads, but this particular location seemed to get the worst quality pads ever. The only way we could keep the customer from coming back was to make sure everything was well lubricated, and we also used some sort of orange goop to stick the brake pads to the calipers. Then we took it out for a break-in session, I believe it was 5 stops from 30mph, gently using the brakes, then another 5 with moderate brake pressure. And if the customer was too hard on the brakes it might still come back.
The more I drive it the more and more the brakes squeak horribly. The brakes look fine and it stops on a dime, but man the squeaking is so loud and embarrassing. The car is just so new at only 5,000 miles to already have issues really disappointed me. Especially on how expensive they are and already has issues.
I can't believe the brakes used here, this is after all the 'Sport' model out of the Taurus lineup so therefor it should have received a better braking setup.
Write your review
Help others - share your experience with this part.
Voted AGAINST engine oil RAVENOL on the rating page
The brake pads OEM Alfa Romeo got the first review!
The brake caliper OEM BMW got the first review!
The brake pads OEM Infiniti got the first review!
For wiper blades PIAA already 100 reviews.
For battery Energizer already 25 reviews.
In the rating best water pump already 12 brands participate!
In the rating best timing belt already 13 brands participate!
In the rating best head gasket already 3 brands participate!
In the auto rating oil filter for Volkswagen Passat already 5 brands participate!
In the auto rating brake pads for Mazda 5 already 10 brands participate!
In the auto rating tires for Subaru Outback already 50 brands participate!
For cabin filter Fram already 25 reviews.
Voted AGAINST engine oil RED LINE on the rating page
Voted AGAINST engine oil PENNZOIL on the rating page
