How to change brake pads
Replacing the front brake pads is not an easy and time-consuming process, but it requires care and a set of tools. Replacing pads on Mazda 3 is no different from working on other cars.
Brake Disc Mazda 3
How to know when it's time to change pads
Very simple! There are two reasons. The first is an annoying squeak when the car brakes. Secondly, the car began to slow down worse, and now it practically does not slow down at all. You can also look at the brake pad. Without removing the wheel, you will only be able to see the outer pad through the rim.
Outer pad for the brake disc Mazda 3. Medium wear.
If the rear pads need to be changed every 150 - 200 thousand kilometers, then the front pads are much more often - about once every 40 thousand. It depends on the driver's driving style and the quality of the pad material.
During the replacement of the brake pads, we will need to disconnect the caliper and clean the disc from dust. From the tools we need: gloves (optional), a 7mm hex wrench, a jack, a flat screwdriver, a hammer, a brush and a little magic - WD-40 liquid.
Getting Started
1. The first thing to do is check the brake fluid level in the reservoir. If there is too much liquid in the expansion tank, remove the excess by lowering the syringe into it. If there is little liquid, then it should be added. The Mazda 3 owner's manual recommends the use of SAE J1703, FMVSS 116, DOT 3 and DOT 4 brake fluid. Excess fluid may indicate worn brake pads. The fluid level in the tank is marked with MAX and MIN marks. The fluid level in the expansion tank must not be above the MAX mark and not below the MIN mark. The optimal level is in the middle.
Mazda 3 brake fluid reservoir. May vary slightly depending on the year of manufacture and version of the car.
2. Use the jack to raise the car. Remove the wheel by removing the bolts. Turn the steering wheel in the direction where the block will change. Observe safety precautions when working with a jack and a raised vehicle.
3. The spring retainer (clip) is easy to remove, just use a flat screwdriver to remove its ends from the holes in the clamp.
4. Pay attention to the back of the clip. Here are the bolts. There are caps on the bolts - dark caps. They are necessary to protect the bolts from dust and moisture. We remove them and finally unscrew the bolts - only 2-3 pieces.
5. Move the clamp and set it vertically. If the caliper runs smoothly and easily, there is no need to decompress the brake pads. Otherwise, the pads must be open, as shown in the video below. To do this, place a screwdriver under the block, slightly bend it in the opposite direction from the disk and lightly tap it with a hammer.
Do not apply too much force, otherwise the clip may be damaged!
6. It is necessary to carefully clean the bolts from dust and apply a special liquid WD-40. Now the clamp should move freely (hang on the hoses). If you can't easily remove it, then I have bad news for you: we've found rust. Clean the brake disc from dust with a brush. Don't use water.
7. Remember where the old pads are. Watch the video on how to install the pads and put everything back together.
