Ok, my back brake pads fell out a while ago cause they were worn down too much, and I only replaced them (knowing that the fronts were bad too), but now the front brakes are making noises like the pads are gonna fall out too...Anyway, Im gonna go and buy the pads and try and install them. When I did the backs, my Dad was there to supervise. Anyway, can I just pop off the wheel, un-bolt the caliper, and swap out the pads? Tell me its that easy? Do I have to turn the piston back into the caliper like the back?

~T.J.

 

It's really easy... and yeah, you've got to push the piston back into the caliper. You don't need a special tool for this, just a c-clamp of the right size for the job.

Also, make sure to have some brake cleaner spray handy to clean your rotors off. And some white grease; grease up those caliper slides real nice.

Believe it or not, I often find my brakes feel better after simply greasing the slides and cleaning the rotors. I try to do it every so often... not sure if it's just in my head, but I'm sold on it. It only takes a few minutes anyways.

BTW, if you didn't get Hawk HP+ pads, return the ones you got and go buy a set of those. Trust me on this one - the best bang-for-the-buck upgrade I've ever done. You'll think you just installed a big brake kit - I'm not kidding.

 

LOL, I'm paranoid about things like the caliper slide pins as well... I just spent four weeks waiting for the little rubber boots I ordered since mine were broken. Had to get them ex-Japan since there was no stock left in Aus.

Anyway, the front pads are a lot easier to change since you don't have to worry about unbolting the hand-brake cable. You might want to have the rotors machined as well though...

 

Japan? No kidding!

 

Yep! I'm actually waiting for the front ones still because Mazda Japan didn't have them in stock either... apparently they're getting a batch of them made up!

The dealer here told me that Mazda Japan most likely has an outside contractor there that supplies them with parts such as these.

 

LOL Get a 6 pack of beer, spend 30 minutes drinking it, and then 5 minutes doing the brakes

Get a large C clamp to compress the caliper's piston, put a rag over the resovoir VERY simple..

 

I'd also remove about half the fluid from the resovoir (turkey baster works good) - saves you from spilling it all over your engine bay when you push the pistons in. Not that rag won't work but you don't want any contaminates in the fluid. And buy some the brake pad goop for the back of the pads or they will most likely vibrate (and squeek). Make sure you only use new fluid when you refill = don't put the old stuff back in. If you're routers are in good shape, you masy not have to turn them but you should clean them up. There's a tool by 3M that is used for finishing the discs - hooks up to a regular drill and looks like a sander (which is basically what it is) - works great for cleaning up minor pitting and surface rust

 

I recommend Motul 600 racing fluid with those Hawks by the way

With that combo, you'll never fade your brakes on the street again.

 

lol, Im 18 and I dont drink, but I did it all by myself .

I figured it out. I just took out one bolt, and took the caliper off the pad holding bracket thingy, and then popped the new pads in (with the goop on them). It was that easy. Anyway, thanks for the help.

~T.J.

 

okok !! .. what bolt do we actually have to take out !!! because there are two bolts that could be the ones .. which one is it ??
thx guys .. I got the car on jacks right now so I'm waiting for an answer lol

 

AAAHHHHHHHH!!!!

It's the thread from the dead!! I was thinkin', "Damn, I didn't think RMD was such a dufus!" and then saw the post dates!

Use the search button, you'll find pics somewhere but I don't have the link anymore...(I actually write this stuff down on cheat cards...)....

 

lol :P I got it off found out which one it was .. how the hell can you uncompress it though ?? seems pretty tight to me ! lol NE special ides keeping in mind all stores are closed and I need y rex tonight ?? :P

thx !

 

LOL Mario, at lest he searched! Use a big c clamp to compress the piston back into the caliper. If you dont have one, put the old pad back on (so you dont damage the piston) , put the caliper back on to hold it steady and use a prybar to compress it. Carefully of course.

 

I'm getting confused here. They keep saying "uncompress"...when the caliper comes off a rotor that needs new pads, it is uncompressed! It needs to be compressed in order for the whole shebang to fit over the rotors again, right? Once done, just put it all back together and step on the pedal and it should then "uncompress".

ps. Do not forget the anti-sqeek juice on the backs of the pads and shims or you'll be crying later as everyone laughs at the mice you're killing on your wheels...

Has no one really done a step-by-step for this Forum? I see an opportunity here...

 

Me too............ I just figured he was using backwards terminology, maybe I assumed too much? I mean its pretty obvious how to get the piston "uncompressed" right? Step on the frickin brake pedal. Uhoh I'm starting to sound like Sterling.

Teh step by step is in the Haynes and the FSM. How much can you improve on that?

 

Hehehe, not much - especially if you dont have a Haynes. . . those bitches are hard to come across in Aus, still I guess I was lucky.

PS - nice subtle reference to the "sterling posts" Carl. . .

 

Yeah sory ... I ment that ... I can't find a c clamp I'm SOOO screwed ! Trying multiple things nothing works :///

DAG NABBIT !

 

You caught that huh Bayce?

Dude, the prybar technique no workie? It always worked for me. Steady pressure will allow it to retract.

 

You have to open the air bleed first, then push.

 

Heh, I wasnt that much of a dufus back then either, I was just double checking so I didnt get into any problems when I tore into it .

Odly enough, now that Im back driving that car since mine was stolen, it needs a new right rear rotor cause the caliper siezed or something and tore the hell out of it . So, as soon as I can afford one, Im buying a rotor and pads and doing the brakes all over again, lol.

~T.J.

PS - Im hoping I can afford it really soon, Im just waiting for a call back about that job at the BMW dealership... Its looking promising though . My buddy that works there now told me they were working on a new schedule .