Good FAQ for changing brake pads?

[drledford93]

Yeah, I know that it's easy as 1+1...but I've never done it and was curious if anyone had a good write up of it for a MS3. Can't find one using the glorious search function of this site. If anyone could point one out to me (PM me if it's on another site, if you wish), I'd appreciate it!

Got Hawk HPSs coming tomorrow! Woohoo!

Daniel

 

[GoFast]

http://www.mazdas247.com/forum/showthread.php?t=123661210 How to: Check your brakes

How-To install front brakes on ms3 with pics

How to Change your front pads by a VOLVO tech

HOW TO: Change Rear Discs/Pads on Mazda 3

 

[drledford93]

Um, that first one was closed for bad info. I'd like to see a pictorial (if there is one) that shows removing the sliding pins (2), removing the retaining springs, etc.

I know generally how to do it, I'm the type that likes to see exactly what I'm supposed to be seeing before I do it...

Daniel

 

[dcomiskey]

Granted I've changed pads a lot, but think even a tutorial is overkill. It's so simple it's stupid, really. The only pain in the ass is doing the rears. Mazda uses those same damn rear pistons that you have to twist while compressing. If you don't have a special tool, you need to get very creative to compress those pistons.

 

[drledford93]

Granted I've changed pads a lot, but think even a tutorial is overkill. It's so simple it's stupid, really. The only pain in the ass is doing the rears. Mazda uses those same damn rear pistons that you have to twist while compressing. If you don't have a special tool, you need to get very creative to compress those pistons.

So, for the rears you just need to somehow keep the pistons compressed to get the pads out?

 

[dcomiskey]

So, for the rears you just need to somehow keep the pistons compressed to get the pads out?

It's not that you have to KEEP them compressed. Once you compress them, they stay pretty much where they are. It's compressing them in the first place that's a real b****.

Unlike the fronts, which push straight in, the rear pistons actually ROTATE in a clockwise motion when compressing. So even if you push straight in with all your might, they won't budge. They are like giant screws. But there are two ways to do it. The first is to simply open the bleed valve and then push them in (make sure to have a tube attached to the valve to drain properly). I have used a pair of needle nose pliers (opened) to rotate the piston while pushing it in, but you have to be careful you don't slip and put it through your hand.

The other is to get a special tool that compresses and rotates the piston at the same time. The tool is cheap. I'm just too lazy to bother with it, even though I'm sure it would save me a lot of time.

 

[meicalnissyen]

It's not that you have to KEEP them compressed. Once you compress them, they stay pretty much where they are. It's compressing them in the first place that's a real b****.

Unlike the fronts, which push straight in, the rear pistons actually ROTATE in a clockwise motion when compressing. So even if you push straight in with all your might, they won't budge. They are like giant screws. But there are two ways to do it. The first is to simply open the bleed valve and then push them in (make sure to have a tube attached to the valve to drain properly). I have used a pair of needle nose pliers (opened) to rotate the piston while pushing it in, but you have to be careful you don't slip and put it through your hand.

The other is to get a special tool that compresses and rotates the piston at the same time. The tool is cheap. I'm just too lazy to bother with it, even though I'm sure it would save me a lot of time.

Clearly another engineer needs to get a 22 behind the right ear,


thanks for the heads up, info like this makes reading thru the drivel worthwhile

 

[CB08MS3]

So I've got the 2 caliper slide pins out now, but the caliper gets snagged and won't slide all the way out... anybody have any suggestions??? Thanks!

 

[dcomiskey]

So I've got the 2 caliper slide pins out now, but the caliper gets snagged and won't slide all the way out... anybody have any suggestions??? Thanks!

A rubber mallet is your best friend. Get one and whack the s*** out of it. The problem is very likely the pads are getting stuck on the very edge of the disc, where there has been no wear.

Or, open the bleeder valve and spread the pistons a little more.