The Mazda brake pad is an important part of the braking system either you are using a drum or disc brakes. This is basically a steel backing plate with a friction material bonded or riveted to its surface facing the disc brake or drum. It has the capacity to convert the kinetic energy of your moving vehicle into a thermal energy due to friction. The brake pad is attached to the brake caliper, one at each side of the brake rotor. Early brake linings are made from asbestos since they known for their heat absorbing capacities and quiet braking operations. However, due to health risks, the use of asbestos has been outlawed so new and better friction materials are now used. Whenever the brake pedal is engaged, the brake fluid contained in the master cylinder is channeled to the brake caliper where it pushes against a piston. This piston will then do its job of compressing or squeezing the brake pads, allowing it to rub against the rotor. This process will create a friction that will stop the wheels from spinning.

When the Mazda brake pad is subjected to heat due to the friction it creates when it rub against the rotor or drum, it starts to transfer small fractions of material to the disc, which makes the pads look dull grey. The brake rotor and the disc, now having those friction materials on, will then "bind" at each other in order to provide an effective stopping power. However, the friction of the brake pad against the disc is the one greatly responsible for the majority of the stopping power. In disc brake applications, there are usually two brake pads employed per disc which are held in place and operated via the brake caliper that is attached to the wheel hub or suspension upright. In drum brake applications, the brake pads are attached to the wheel hub or mounting plate wherein the friction surfaces push out against the inside of the brake drum.

There are various types of and the difference will have to do with how long the pad will last and how quiet it operates during braking. Since it is a normal wear item in your vehicle, it is just right to properly follow its recommended replacement intervals stated on your owner's manual. If your brake pads use hard linings, surely they last longer and stop better under all conditions, but it may produce an irritating squeal when the brake is applied. The brake pad should be inspected for wear periodically since it the lining wears down to the metal brake shoes, then a "metal-to-metal" contact will certainly occur which can cause grave damage and loss of braking efficiency. Some brake pads are equipped with a brake warning sensor that generates a squealing noise to indicate that the pad are worn to the point where they need to be changed. The noise is usually emitted when your foot is off the brake pedal and disappears as you step on it. If your vehicle is equipped with this sensor and you hear the noise, have your brakes inspected as soon as possible.