Just changed the pads and Discs on my 2007 Mazda 5. And I though I'd share somethings with you.
First off pretty easy job all around, very glad I didn't pay some clown $500.00 for a brake job!!!
First off the rear brake uses a "spiral piston" to facilitate the E Brake. Hence to compress the cylinder they have to be pushed in and turned clock wise simultaneously. My local auto supply places have a universal tool for this purpose at just under $200.00.
Man am I ever glad I didn't go for it. (I like to buy tools when I'm saving labour! but only when they make sense).
When you pull the pads off, you will see that there are two holes in the face of the cylinder. These accommodate the special tool which has two pins on its face. Now you could make a stick with two nails in it or machine something more elegant. Or you could do what I did and just stick your needle nose pliers into it and push and turn. Dead easy!!!
When buying pads try and get the "Type two" (with one spring instead of three) rear pads as the spring doesn't require any effort to seat.
The old brake disks (rotors) are just compression fit and held on by the wheel and lug nuts. Just beat them with a hammer until they pop off. (your replacing them anyway.)
Fronts are super easy. pull the Caliper and use a C Clamp on the new Pad against the piston. Slowly apply pressure (no bleeding or anything required front or rear, and don't top off the reservoir until you finished the whole job) I could do all four in about an hour now that I have done it once.
When you restart the car the "Brake and ABS" Idiot lights will be on but should go out when you pump the brakes and the pucks seat themselves the correct distance from the discs.
Saved mega buying drilled slotted discs and shoes on line. and doing it myself. With my new summer tires the car is stopping great!
Hope this helps someone save big as well. Have a great summer!
Just checked with Calgary dealership, they charge 3 hrs shop time @ $143.00 for a job total of $960.00 Wow no wonder they call them the stealership!!! And that's for the documented inferior factory rotors!!
First off pretty easy job all around, very glad I didn't pay some clown $500.00 for a brake job!!!
First off the rear brake uses a "spiral piston" to facilitate the E Brake. Hence to compress the cylinder they have to be pushed in and turned clock wise simultaneously. My local auto supply places have a universal tool for this purpose at just under $200.00.
Man am I ever glad I didn't go for it. (I like to buy tools when I'm saving labour! but only when they make sense).
When you pull the pads off, you will see that there are two holes in the face of the cylinder. These accommodate the special tool which has two pins on its face. Now you could make a stick with two nails in it or machine something more elegant. Or you could do what I did and just stick your needle nose pliers into it and push and turn. Dead easy!!!
When buying pads try and get the "Type two" (with one spring instead of three) rear pads as the spring doesn't require any effort to seat.
The old brake disks (rotors) are just compression fit and held on by the wheel and lug nuts. Just beat them with a hammer until they pop off. (your replacing them anyway.)
Fronts are super easy. pull the Caliper and use a C Clamp on the new Pad against the piston. Slowly apply pressure (no bleeding or anything required front or rear, and don't top off the reservoir until you finished the whole job) I could do all four in about an hour now that I have done it once.
When you restart the car the "Brake and ABS" Idiot lights will be on but should go out when you pump the brakes and the pucks seat themselves the correct distance from the discs.
Saved mega buying drilled slotted discs and shoes on line. and doing it myself. With my new summer tires the car is stopping great!
Hope this helps someone save big as well. Have a great summer!
Just checked with Calgary dealership, they charge 3 hrs shop time @ $143.00 for a job total of $960.00 Wow no wonder they call them the stealership!!! And that's for the documented inferior factory rotors!!
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