Got a 2007 Mazda3.

Had a loose pad rattling around so I went to replace the rear pads and leave the current rotors on as they were in good shape.

Did so, drove it around, it was GRINDING like crazy. Bought some news rotors just in case, popped it off, and saw the pad on the inside had a ring cut deep into it near the top, like it biting partially over the top of the rotor.

Just want to check to make sure i'm sot missing anything - inside pad should have the holes on the back that match those on the piston, and the one with the anti-rattle spring on top should be on the outside? Is the spring on the pad simply for pressure and not to be fitted anywhere specifically.

Can you think of any other reason why they were not seated correctly? Just assume I'm an idiot. Haha.

Thanks.

 

the rear pads have a spring at the top which presses on the caliper and pushes toward the center of the wheel. If this spring was gone, the pad could lift up and end up over the edge of the rotor. You can look at the other side of the car and make sure there's not a piece missing.

Once you hear grinding it's usually too late, and you should replace the rotors.

Do you have pics?