Mazda vehicles from model year 1990 came equipped with disc brakes for the front wheels and drum brakes for the rear wheels. The front brakes require the regular maintenance of the brake pads and rotors, including periodic replacement of the rotors and pads. Failing to properly maintain the components of the braking system can lead to catastrophic consequences including brake failure. Replace the brake pads every 50,000 miles and inspect the rotors during the process. If the rotors are found to be damaged or warped, replace them immediately to ensure safe driving.
Instructions
1. Place tire blocks behind the rear wheels of the Mazda to prevent it from rolling. Loosen the lug nuts on the front wheels with the lug wrench.
2. Lift the front of the vehicle and place jack stands beneath the frame in the front to support the car during the rotor replacement.
3. Remove the lug nuts and pull the wheel from the wheel bolts.
4. Remove the caliper bolts with the 13 mm wrench. Lift the caliper from the rotor and rest it on the steering arm above the rotor.
5. Remove the rotor retaining screw from the outer face of the brake rotor. Use a Phillips-head screwdriver to loosen the screw.
6. Pull the rotor from the wheel bolts.
7. Thoroughly clean the new rotors with brake parts cleaner and a cloth towel. The rotors are shipped with preserving oil on their surface. The oil will cause the brake pads to wear out more rapidly and the brakes to smoke during braking if left on the rotor.
8. Slide the rotors onto the wheel bolts.
9. Slide the brake pads from either side of the caliper. The metal clips on the backs of the pads can slide straight from the walls of the caliper. Use a flat screwdriver to pry the clips away from the caliper if the brake pads will not slide easily by hand. The new brake pads will have their own set of clips, so do not worry about sparing the clips on the worn pads while attempting to remove them.
10. Place one of the worn brake pads over the two caliper pistons protruding from the inside of the caliper. Place a C-clamp over the worn pad and the back of the caliper from which the pistons extend.
11. Screw the C-clamp handle to force the pistons into the side of the caliper. Remove the C-clamp and worn pad once the pistons are completely depressed within the caliper.
12. Place the new brake pads onto the sides of the caliper. Push the pads against the sides of the caliper to engage the metal clips and secure the pads to the caliper.
13. Replace the caliper with new pads installed onto the rotor and screw in the caliper bolts with the wrench.
14. Repeat steps 3-13 to replace the brake pads and rotor on the opposite side.
15. Replace the front wheels onto the wheel bolts and screw on the lug nuts by hand.
16. Lift the front of the Mazda to remove the jack stands, then lower the vehicle's front tires to the ground. Tighten the front lug nuts with the lug wrench.
Tips Warnings
Do not tear the rubber coating over the caliper pistons while depressing the pistons into the caliper. The coating keeps moisture away from the pistons themselves and protects against rust.
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