Going to be tackling both rear calipers this weekend, any tips/suggestions for them?

[cutchemist]

Have never done rear brake work, anything useful to know beforehand to save time and headaches? I'm replacing rotors and both calipers.

Thanks!

 

[MazdaSpeeder]

I assume you've read the service manual instructions for doing the rear brakes, right? If not, you should definitely do that, as the pistons retract in a different way than you might expect. Also, I would call around to auto parts stores and see who has the rear calipers in stock...I have had bad luck with them, so just be mentally prepared that you might have to change one of them. Good luck!

 

[Hank3]

http://www.mazdas247.com/forum/showthread.php?123834536-Cool-Trick-I-Figured-Out!

 

[cutchemist]

I assume you've read the service manual instructions for doing the rear brakes, right? If not, you should definitely do that, as the pistons retract in a different way than you might expect. Also, I would call around to auto parts stores and see who has the rear calipers in stock...I have had bad luck with them, so just be mentally prepared that you might have to change one of them. Good luck!

Yep, read the service manual online, and actually already have the calipers/rotors. I just know that sometimes, the real world can be different then the instructions in the manual.

The calipers/rotors are completely seized and look really bad.

 

[pcb]

Check your P-brake cables for proper movement. Make sure the little coil spring on the caliper has enough tension to pull the cable back after the hand brake is released.

The P-brake cables have a tendency to seize up. You can check their operation on the old calipers. Make sure the caliper connection point rotates freely. (that rotation is what operates the self- adjusters)

 

[JesseM]

My dragging rear-left caliper was from the e-brake cable. I know this because it stopped dragging when my e-brake cable snapped.

 

[pcb]

Yea,... Canada EH. They're about $60 each at Rockauto.

 

[cutchemist]

Just so I understand, if I'm putting on new rotors, pads, and calipers all at once, what do I need to do in terms of piston/allen key or parking cable adjustment? Anything special?

 

[rit14623]

Just so I understand, if I'm putting on new rotors, pads, and calipers all at once, what do I need to do in terms of piston/allen key or parking cable adjustment? Anything special?

Nothing if you are completely replacing them.
Take a picture of the e-brake side of things in case you forget how its supposed to look when you put it back together.

 

[MazdaSpeeder]

Just so I understand, if I'm putting on new rotors, pads, and calipers all at once, what do I need to do in terms of piston/allen key or parking cable adjustment? Anything special?

Just make sure you follow the service manual instructions and adjust the piston so that the ebrake works properly. Tighten it, then back off a quarter turn or so.