A Guide to Replacing the Rear Brake Drums on Your 2011-2015 Mazda 2
Everything you need to know before buying new aftermarket rear brake drums for your Mazda 2.
- Always replace brake drums, shoes, and hardware in pairs to ensure safe, even braking.
- For the Mazda 2, quality aftermarket brands like Centric, Bendix, and Beck Arnley offer excellent value and performance for daily driving.
- A stuck drum can often be removed with a rubber mallet or by threading two M8-1.25 bolts into the threaded holes on the drum face to push it off the hub.
- No recalls or major TSBs are active for the brake drums on the 2011-2015 Mazda 2.
Is it Time for New Brake Drums?
The rear brake drums on your Mazda 2 are durable, but they do wear out. Since they do only about 20-30% of the braking, they last much longer than front brakes, often over 100,000 miles. However, it's important to know the signs of a worn or failing drum.
Symptoms of a Bad Brake Drum:
🎬 Watch: How to diagnose common brake noises and vibrations- Scraping or Grinding Noises: A loud metallic scraping sound from the rear when you brake usually means the brake shoes are completely worn, and metal is grinding against the drum.
- Vibration or Pulsation: If you feel a pulsing in the brake pedal or a vibration from the rear of the car when braking, the drum may be "out-of-round," meaning its circular shape is distorted.
- Poor Parking Brake Performance: If your handbrake pulls up much higher than it used to or doesn't hold the car securely on a hill, 🎬 Watch: How to properly adjust your rear drum brakes it can be a sign of worn drums or shoes.
- Reduced Braking Power: While harder to notice from the rear, a general decrease in stopping ability can point to a problem with the entire brake system.
Pro Tip: When you replace your brake drums, you should always replace the brake shoes and the hardware kit at the same time. New drums need a fresh, flat surface from new shoes to bed-in correctly, and old springs in the hardware kit can lose tension, causing noise and improper function.
Choosing the Right Aftermarket Brake Drum
For a daily-driven Mazda 2, a quality aftermarket brake drum provides the same safety and performance as the original equipment (OEM) part, but at a much lower cost. The rear brakes on this car don't require expensive performance parts. Here’s a look at some trusted brands.
Standard OE-Quality Replacements
These brands are known for making parts that meet or exceed original factory specifications. They are the ideal choice for most owners, offering a great balance of price, quality, and durability.
- Centric: A very popular and well-respected brand. Their premium line of drums is a reliable choice that offers excellent value. Many professional mechanics trust and use Centric parts.
- Bendix: With a long history in braking, Bendix is a name you can trust for quality and reliability.
- Beck Arnley: This brand specializes in parts for import vehicles like your Mazda. They focus on matching the original part's form, fit, and function, and sometimes even use the same suppliers as the car manufacturer. Their drums often feature a black anti-corrosion coating.
Value & Performance Options
These brands are also excellent choices and are often compared for their performance-oriented product lines. However, their standard replacement drums are perfect for the Mazda 2.
- Dynamic Friction (DFC): A brand focused on quality manufacturing, DFC offers a range of products from daily driver to performance applications. They are a solid choice for an OE-quality replacement.
- Powerstop: While famous for their performance brake kits, Powerstop also sells individual components that are a dependable alternative to the original parts.
How Much Does a Mazda 2 Brake Drum Replacement Cost?
Replacing rear brake drums is a common repair. The cost depends on whether you do it yourself or have a shop do the work. Remember, drums and shoes should always be replaced in pairs.
| Part / Service | Estimated Cost (for a pair) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| New Aftermarket Drums | $98 - $130 | Based on the provided inventory price range of $48.95 - $64.05 per drum. |
| New OEM Drums | ~$280 | Based on a dealer price of around $140.76 per drum. |
| Shop Labor | $150 - $250 | Labor to replace both rear drums and shoes. |
| Total Professional Job (Aftermarket) | $250 - $450 | Includes aftermarket drums, new shoes, hardware, and labor. |
Common Ordering Mistake
Brake drums are almost always sold individually. Make sure you order a quantity of two to replace both rear drums at the same time. This ensures even braking performance and predictable handling.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this a difficult job to do myself?
For a DIYer with some experience, this is a manageable job. It requires safely lifting and supporting the vehicle, and you may need a rubber mallet or bolts to help remove a drum that is stuck to the hub. There are many helpful video guides online for the Mazda 2. 🎬 See this step-by-step Mazda 2 rear drum replacement walkthrough If you are not comfortable working on brakes, it is best to leave this job to a professional mechanic.
My old drums have screws holding them on. Do I need them?
Those small screws are only there to hold the drum in place on the assembly line before the wheel is installed. The wheel and lug nuts are what actually hold the drum tight. If the screws are rusted and difficult to remove, they can be drilled out and do not need to be replaced.
Are there any recalls for the 2011-2015 Mazda 2 brake drums?
No. Searches of the NHTSA database and other sources show no recalls or technical service bulletins (TSBs) specifically related to the brake drums for the 2011-2015 Mazda 2.
Can I just replace the brake shoes and keep the old drums?
It is not recommended. Over time, a ridge of rust and wear can form on the outer edge of the drum, and the inner surface can become grooved or out-of-round. Putting new, flat shoes against a worn, uneven drum surface will lead to poor braking, noise, and rapid wear of the new shoes. For best results, always replace drums and shoes together.
Helpful Videos
Technical Specifications
OEM Part Numbers: DF71-26-251 B092-26-251
Inside Diameter: 200 mm (7.874 in). Wheel Bolt Holes: 4. Maximum (Discard) Diameter: 201.5 mm.
We Have This Part in Stock
The information in this article is provided for general reference and educational purposes only. Vehicle specifications, procedures, and part compatibility can vary by production date, trim level, and region. Always consult your vehicle's factory service manual and verify part numbers before purchasing or performing repairs. Safety-critical components such as airbags, seat belts, and braking systems should be installed by a qualified professional.
- Mazda 2:
- 🎬 Helpful Videos
- 🛍️ Shop This Part
- Is it Time for New Brake Drums?
- Symptoms of a Bad Brake Drum:
- Choosing the Right Aftermarket Brake Drum
- Standard OE-Quality Replacements
- Value & Performance Options
- How Much Does a Mazda 2 Brake Drum Replacement Cost?
- Common Ordering Mistake
- Frequently Asked Questions
- 🎟️ Get 5% Off