I have removed the pads on my '85 FB as I am replacing calipers and disks/rotors. Whoever did the pads last time has left out one of the shims and only one of the calipers has the "z" shaped spring.

Pointless talking to Mazda UK as they seem to think that the only RX ever produced has an 8 on the end!!

What does the "z" spring do, is it safe without?
Any safety issues related to the missing shim?

Oh what fun, I havent even got to replacing the disks and calipers yet !!

 

My car doesen't have any of the retainer springs either. I have not noticed any ill effects.

 

it will be really lound and obnoxious. the z spring is there to push the pad out off of the rotor when you let off the pedal. without it, it will rattle against it when you drive. Shims arent really nessicary, they just keep the brakes from squeeling when you stop. Putting some hightemp silicone rtv, or brake quiet on the back of the pad should have the same effect.

 

I don't have the Z spring on one of my calipers because I lost it somehow. I haven't heard any types of noises out of them besides when I'm lightly on the brakes. Then they squeel like a pig, but I don't have the shims or any brake quiet on any of the pads.

 

Thanks for the advice. I shall carry on and refit with the parts that are present.

The supplied calipers are fine, but the brembo rotors are too small. The dealer says that he has supplied the only ones listed.

The new ones as well as being smaller only have a short bearing housing at the rear, the ones on the car are several inches?

I will have to return them tomorrow.

Thanks again.

 

Yea none of my 8 pads had those z springs so its ok lol. No noise except when my car rolls backwards i get a squeking noise