CARFIX

RDA Brakes Extreme Heavy Duty Brake Pad Set

RDA Brakes — RDA Brakes Extreme Heavy Duty Brake Pad Set — part number RDX2176SM

RDA Brakes · Part number RDX2176SM · NZ$138.00 incl. GST

Right then, for those zippy European and Japanese beauties like your VOLVO S40 T5, SAAB 9-3 Turbo V6, or the MAZDA 3/AXELA MPS, these brake pads are your unsung heroes, turning all that go-fast energy into safe, reliable stopping power.

Price

NZ$138.00 including GST. Part number RDX2176SM.

Fits these vehicles

Description

Brake Pad Replacement Guide — Keep Your WOF Happy with RDA!
> Brake pads are those clever bits of friction material that squeeze onto your brake rotors, bringing your trusty steed to a halt. When they're worn out, it's not just a bit dodgy; it can really mess with your braking and safety, especially in those high-performance Euro and Japanese rockets like your Volvo S40 T5 or Mazda 3 MPS, which demand top-notch stopping power.
What's That Noise? (Symptoms That Led You Here)
• Hear a squealing or grinding racket when you hit the stoppers?
• Brakes feeling a bit 'mushy' or not biting like they used to?
• Getting a judder through the steering wheel or brake pedal when braking?
• Can you see your pads are looking a bit thin (less than 3mm of meat left)?
• That little brake warning light's popped up on your dash?
Will it pass WOF?
Nah, mate, if your brake pads are looking knackered, your car won't be passing its Warrant of Fitness (WOF) inspection here in New Zealand. You need enough friction material for safe driving, plain and simple.
DIY or Workshop?
Difficulty: 6/10 (Moderate – a bit of a weekend project)
Estimated Time: 1-2 hours per axle (grab a cuppa halfway through)
Tools Required: Jack, sturdy jack stands (safety first!), wheel nut wrench, C-clamp or brake caliper piston compressor, brake cleaner, torque wrench, and the right socket/spanner set for those caliper bolts.
🛠️ Bob's "Get It Done Right" Companion Checklist
Before you dive under the hoist, make sure you've got these bits and bobs handy. Safety and a clean job are the main things, eh?
• Stay Safe, Mate! Always chuck on some Safety Glasses – you don't want brake dust in your eyes. And for keeping your mitts clean and protected, a good pair of Heavy-Duty Nitrile Gloves is a no-brainer.
• Cleanliness is Key: Grab some Brake Cleaner Spray to blast away all that carbon dust and grime. It makes a world of difference for a proper reassembly.
• Smooth Operator: Don't forget some quality Anti-Seize Caliper Grease to ensure those caliper pins glide smoothly and prevent future headaches.
Expert Recommendation
Bob @ CARFIX always says, don't muck around with brakes! Get 'em sorted at the first whiff of wear or drop in performance – it's all about keeping you safe. These RDA RDX2176SM brake pads are a top-notch pick for a bunch of those performance European and Japanese rides, giving you a sweet spot of stopping power and durability. Bob @ CARFIX is always keen for a yarn to help you figure out exactly what your Volvo, Saab, Mazda, or Ford needs. Pop over to Bob's Shop for a chat – he'll get you sorted!
Fitment Notes
These brake pads are tailor-made for specific high-performance models, including the VOLVO S40 T5 (2007-2012), SAAB 9-3 Turbo V6 (2006-2015), MAZDA 3/AXELA MPS (2006-2009), and the FORD FOCUS XR5 Turbo (2009-2011). Always, always double-check your exact year, make, model, and engine variant to make sure they're a perfect match. Brake systems can be a bit finicky, even within the same model!

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🛠️ Bob's Pro Tip: Do the Job Right!

🧰 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.