mazda 3 rear brakes

doherth · 07-09-2007, 03:33 PM

hello--
Im looking for some info on M3 rear brakes..
does any one have first hand knowledge of the
required tool(s) and technique to collapse the
wheel cylinder in the caliper to allow new pads to
be installed?
Thanks!

Mindcore · 07-09-2007, 04:19 PM

Someone that actually knows the Mazda3 better then I will probably chime in, but none the less. Because of the parking brake, the piston doesn't just push in like the front ones, it screws in and out to adjust for the Pbrake.

There shoud be an X slot on the face of the piston, you need to turn it clockwise to retract it back in the caliper. There are special tools you can by that turn the piston and push it at the same time, or.....you can do what I do and get a big scewdriver and turn it until you have enough clearance for the new pad.

doherth · 07-09-2007, 05:28 PM

Thanks...Im thinking that more down pressure is
required while turning than what I am applying. the
piston just spins without engaging a spiral slot
or whatever it is that is in there. I have been directed
to a set of tools specifically for this (harbor freight, NAPA)
however nothing beats some first hand input.
tom

KevinRX7 · 07-09-2007, 06:57 PM

Yep, that's the key Tom, you need to press in while your spinning.. sometimes it will catch and just screw in, but most of the time you need to push.

The tool is very handy, and if you're going to be doing it often enough, it sure makes it easier. I, like mindcore, just take a big screwdriver and thread it in, and put a little weight behind it.

Think about it this way, change your brakes once or twice and the tool is paid for. It makes me crazy when I see what people pay for brake jobs for how little effort it takes to do it yourself.

doherth · 07-09-2007, 09:01 PM

Thanks all the way around, im due to take it down again in a week.
ill let you know how it goes. thanks again...tom

BlastMS3 · 07-10-2007, 12:18 PM

You'll find it pretty easy.. get the tool and save yourself some effort. Also check around for aftermarket pads, they are just as good as OEM, and a lot cheaper then from the dealer.

Lenny · 07-10-2007, 02:50 PM

These guys got it covered.. I do my brakes all the time, very simple to do. If you run into any trouble just ask!

Phil · 07-12-2007, 09:41 PM

LOL I did mine last night.. took about twice as long as it should have, but next time I've got it covered.

07-09-2007, 03:33 PM	#1 (permalink)
doherth Junior Member Join Date: Jul 2007 Posts: 3	mazda 3 rear brakes hello-- Im looking for some info on M3 rear brakes.. does any one have first hand knowledge of the required tool(s) and technique to collapse the wheel cylinder in the caliper to allow new pads to be installed? Thanks!

07-09-2007, 04:19 PM	#2 (permalink)
Mindcore Administrator Join Date: May 2007 Location: Look Out!!! Posts: 1,299	Someone that actually knows the Mazda3 better then I will probably chime in, but none the less. Because of the parking brake, the piston doesn't just push in like the front ones, it screws in and out to adjust for the Pbrake. There shoud be an X slot on the face of the piston, you need to turn it clockwise to retract it back in the caliper. There are special tools you can by that turn the piston and push it at the same time, or.....you can do what I do and get a big scewdriver and turn it until you have enough clearance for the new pad. __________________ core Mazda Forums .

07-10-2007, 02:50 PM	#7 (permalink)
Lenny Senior Member Join Date: May 2007 Posts: 153	These guys got it covered.. I do my brakes all the time, very simple to do. If you run into any trouble just ask! __________________ Mazda 3 ownnzz

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07-09-2007, 05:28 PM	#3 (permalink)
doherth Junior Member Join Date: Jul 2007 Posts: 3	Thanks...Im thinking that more down pressure is required while turning than what I am applying. the piston just spins without engaging a spiral slot or whatever it is that is in there. I have been directed to a set of tools specifically for this (harbor freight, NAPA) however nothing beats some first hand input. tom

07-09-2007, 06:57 PM	#4 (permalink)
KevinRX7 Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Bay Area Posts: 132	Yep, that's the key Tom, you need to press in while your spinning.. sometimes it will catch and just screw in, but most of the time you need to push. The tool is very handy, and if you're going to be doing it often enough, it sure makes it easier. I, like mindcore, just take a big screwdriver and thread it in, and put a little weight behind it. Think about it this way, change your brakes once or twice and the tool is paid for. It makes me crazy when I see what people pay for brake jobs for how little effort it takes to do it yourself.

07-09-2007, 09:01 PM	#5 (permalink)
doherth Junior Member Join Date: Jul 2007 Posts: 3	Thanks all the way around, im due to take it down again in a week. ill let you know how it goes. thanks again...tom

07-10-2007, 12:18 PM	#6 (permalink)
BlastMS3 Member Join Date: Jun 2007 Posts: 67	You'll find it pretty easy.. get the tool and save yourself some effort. Also check around for aftermarket pads, they are just as good as OEM, and a lot cheaper then from the dealer.

07-12-2007, 09:41 PM	#8 (permalink)
Phil Member Join Date: Jun 2007 Posts: 31	LOL I did mine last night.. took about twice as long as it should have, but next time I've got it covered.