Can I do this myself?

elderlycoffee

Member
:
2007 Sunlight Silver mazdaspeed 3
I don't have ramps or anything and I'm somewhat of a noob but I'm guessing it's just a bolt on mod?

I ordered these and need to have them put on or do it myself. Can I just jack the car up one corner at a time and do it that way?

order2.jpg
 
If you have mild mechanical knowledge yes. If this is your first time doing anything ever, no.

Also, $60 walmart Jack/2-ton stand specials ftw.
 
If you're a noob, I'd recommend someone that knows how to do all those to assist you. You don't want to mess up.
 
try downloading technicians/work shop manual for mazda3/mazdaspeed3 it tells you everything, from how to jack up your car to how much torque u need on pretty much every bolt on this car.

http://jscspeed.com/rides/project_ms3/project_ms3.htm
this is the link to jscspeed project car, there is a section that talks about installation of Stainless Steel break lines, its not really a how to but they have some good tips there
 
If your replacing the brake lines, your gona need someone to help you anyway, unless you have a "sucker" machine and an air compressor.
 
I agree. If you are very careful and read the manuals a couple of times first to be sure you really understand how it is done, go for it with everything except the lines and fluid. You want a shop with the right equipment to do it or a buddy who happens to be a mechanic to let you help him do it.
 
+1. Don't do the lines at your experience level. Everything else is fine if you take your time and follow the instructions. Get a brake piston retractor/pad spreader tool. You can rent/check out or buy one of these from the usual auto parts stores for next to nothing - purchase price is only about 10 bucks. They only last for 2-3-4 brake jobs, but for personal use, it's a good deal. Note: when you retract the pistons, brake fluid will be pushed back into the reservoir. It could over flow. Brake fluid is corrosive to paint. Since you will want to remove the lid of the reservoir to allow for the change in fluid level (should be o.k. unless you have added fluid), there is a risk of overflow. If you've added fluid or if in doubt, put rags or a towel or something around the reservoir to catch the overflow so it will not get on paint or other things near by. Once you've done a pad change and see how easy it is, you'll never again want to pay someone to do this.

You have to completely remove the calipers and backing plates, etc. to change out the rotors. I've not done this on a MS3, but the procedure is generally the same on most cars. You will have to follow the instructions as to the pins, clips and/or shielding to remove to get the rotors off, and may need a heavy rubber mallett to get the rotors to "let go" so you can pull them off. I just got through doing this on one of my other vehicles and found having the big rubber mallet very helpful.
 

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you do not want to guess and trial by error with breaks, get someone to help ya
 
you do not want to guess and trial by error with breaks, get someone to help ya

Or with brakes...

If you trust your life to your mechanical skills, research and do it on your own. If you trust your life in the hands of a friend, research and do it with help. If you have no one you can trust to do the work, take it to a brake shop. You can't trust them with your money, but you can trust your life with them to do your brakes correctly. ;)
 
+1. found having the big rubber mallet very helpful.

thats not a very good spreading tool,
try these next time
 

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I don't have ramps or anything and I'm somewhat of a noob but I'm guessing it's just a bolt on mod?

I ordered these and need to have them put on or do it myself. Can I just jack the car up one corner at a time and do it that way?

order2.jpg

This weekend I installed front and rear HPS brake pads and the rear motor mount. I can tell you that these are very easy if you take your time and read many instructions. The once the wheel and the caliper brakets are off, the disks can be easily removed and new ones installed. LEAVE PLENTY OF TIME for the whole job ! I would not try the brake lines at this time. Since the lines need to be bled after installing, I would have these installed by a mechanic.

See this link for great "how to's" for your car. http://www.mazda3formums.com/index.php?topic=106582.0

I also think you are crazy if you just jack up each wheel one at a time. Spend the money and buy the $25 3-ton jack stands at walmart and any floor jack you can find.These will be used again and again and will make the job much safer.
I also suggest spending the $10 (harbor freight) on a click type torque wrench.
You will also need brake cleaner and torx socket.

good luck
 
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Pick up some fluid also. I recommend ATE Super Blue. It's good to have a buddy help out with the lines and bleeding or you could get bleeders but I haven't really seen those for the MS3s brakes. Maybe pick up a bleeding bottle like the one that Turner Motorsports sells.
 
You Can Do It!

+1 MSMS3.

You can do most of this yourself. This forum and the Internet have an abundance of articles and videos. You should evacuate the entire brake system and install high temp fluid with your SS lines, so have your mechanic do this. JMO.
 
I don't have ramps or anything and I'm somewhat of a noob but I'm guessing it's just a bolt on mod?

I ordered these and need to have them put on or do it myself. Can I just jack the car up one corner at a time and do it that way?

order2.jpg

Let me know how this setup feels for you. I have the identical setup but still seem to have considerable take up in the pedal before the brakes engage. I even made the shop re-bleed the system because it didn't feel right. It is hard for me to tell though because I have been driving my truck for the winter.
 
hows he gonna use ramps when he is doin the brakes....
they are great for other stuff though

LOL! But agree good investment for other stuff. I still prefer a regular 2 1/2 to 3 ton old fashioned steel floor jack and jack stands. The light weight aluminum "racing" jacks are just extra cost for no valid purpose for a home garage or shop.

I'm 59 years old and have been using the same jack and jack stands for over 30 years. Cheap and good investment (really indespensible) for anyone doing their own mods or maintenance.
 
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