
TRW · Part number GDB848 · NZ$212.00 incl. GST
For a heap of classic Japanese and Ford models from the late 80s to early 2000s, including your trusty Mazda 323, Mitsubishi Mirage, and Ford Laser, these brake pads are absolutely crucial for keeping you safe on the road, providing that essential friction to slow you down and bring you to a complete stop.
NZ$212.00 including GST. Part number GDB848.
Brake Pads: Your Stopper's Best Mate — Featuring TRW
> Right, let's talk brake pads. These little legends are basically the unsung heroes of your car, the bits of friction material that get stuck into your brake rotors, turning all that go-fast energy into heat to bring your vehicle to a proper halt. And just like those favourite gumboots, they wear down over time. Especially if you're battling the stop-start traffic in your Mazda 323 or Ford Laser, that wear can really speed up, making your braking a bit dodgy.
Signs It's Time to Get Your Hands Dirty
• Hearing some squealing or a proper grinding noise when you hit the brakes?
• Feeling like your braking's a bit soft, or the pedal's gone all "spongy"?
• Getting a bit of a wobble through the steering wheel or brake pedal when you're slowing down?
• Taking a bit longer than usual to pull up?
• Can you actually see your brake pads are looking a bit thin (less than 3mm of friction material left)?
Will it pass WOF?
Nah, mate, absolutely not. Dodgy brake pads are a massive safety risk and will see your vehicle flat-out fail its Warrant of Fitness (WOF) inspection here in New Zealand. You need decent brake pad thickness and proper stopping power, no two ways about it, for WOF compliance.
DIY or Workshop?
Difficulty: 5/10 (Moderate — a solid weekend arvo job)
Estimated Time: 1-2 hours per axle (grab a cuppa halfway through!)
Tools Required: Jack, trusty jack stands (safety first!), wheel nut wrench, C-clamp or brake caliper piston compressor, a good wrench set (for those caliper bolts), Brake Cleaner, torque wrench, and maybe a wire brush to clean things up.
🛠️ Bob's "Get It Done Right" Companion Checklist
Before you dive into swapping out those brake pads, make sure you've got these bits and bobs sorted. Safety's key, and having the right consumables makes the job way easier:
• Safety First! Grab some Safety Glasses to protect your peepers from any dust or grime, and a pair of sturdy Nitrile Gloves will keep your hands clean and grippy.
• Cleanliness is Next to Godliness: A can of Brake Cleaner is your best friend here. It'll blast away all that carbon dust and gunk, making sure everything's spotless for your new pads.
• Smooth Operator: Don't forget some anti-seize caliper grease. A little dab will do ya, ensuring those calipers move freely and quietly.
Expert Recommendation
Here at CARFIX, we reckon reliable braking isn't just a nice-to-have; it's absolutely non-negotiable for staying safe on our Kiwi roads. Worn-out brake pads are a real hazard, putting you and everyone else at risk. Our advice? Get those pads swapped out as soon as you see the wear indicators or notice any of those dodgy symptoms above. These TRW GDB848 brake pads are a fantastic choice — known for their top quality and consistent performance, they're spot-on for the daily grind in vehicles like your Mazda 323 or Nissan Primera. And remember, Bob @ CARFIX is always keen for a yarn and can help you figure out exactly what part you need for your Mazda 323, Ford Laser, or whatever you're driving. Pop into Bob's Shop for a chat — he'll get you sorted!
Fitment Notes
These TRW brake pads are purpose-built for a whole bunch of popular compact and mid-size vehicles from the late 1980s right through to the early 2000s. We're talking various Mazda 323, 323 Astina, Familia, and Protege models (1989-1996), Mitsubishi Mirage (1989-1991), Ford Laser (1989-1995), Nissan Primera (1996-2001), and Suzuki Aerio/Liana (2001-2007), plus a few others. Always, always double-check against your specific vehicle's year, make, model, and engine variant to make sure you get the perfect fit. Don't risk it!
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🛠️ Bob's Pro Tip: Do the Job Right!
> If you're swapping out these parts on your vehicle, don't skimp on fresh rotors. Check out our compatible TRW Disc Brake Rotors (SKU DF2591S) to ensure a perfect bed-in and get the job done properly first time!
🧰 What Else You'll Need:
• Safety First: Never work under a vehicle supported only by a jack. Always secure it on heavy-duty safety jack stands.
• Brake Dust Protection: Brakes get incredibly dirty. Keep a pack of Nitrile Gloves handy to protect your hands from stubborn brake dust.
• Clean and Prep: Use a high-quality Brake Cleaner spray to blast away stubborn dust, oil, and road grime from the caliper assembly and new rotors before reassembly.
• Lubrication: Apply a thin smear of high-temperature caliper grease to the pad backing plates and slide pins (keep it off the pad friction material!) to prevent squeals and ensure smooth caliper operation.