Node

iTrader: (1)

My car is a S4 Base (4 lug, 1 piston brakes)

I was changing my pads out today.
And I used pads that the previous owner gave me w/ the car. He said they where just slightly used when he changed the rotors, but he had new ones put in anyways, so I figured I'd use the newer ones since mine are getting thin.

Well I was changing them and noticed a few things.
1) There was a small o-ring under the bottom brakepad shim. The old pads fit snuggly w/ this. The new pads wouldn't fit w/ the o-ring in place so it was removed.

2) I couldn't make the backing plate of the caliper go over the brake pad (non-piston side) because it was too thick. I havent had a change to measure the thickness, but I know max thickness is 1mm/.4" (I think thats total thickness)

3) The pads look slightly different. The old pads where solid across the face of the pad. The new pads where divided into two parts on the face.
This could possibly be from different manufacturers of brakepads (non-mazda)

Here are pictures







http://www.mazdatrix.com/j-1brake.htm <--for reference of the 2 split faced pad that mazdatrix lists (Mazda OEM)

Node

iTrader: (1)

It won't fit w/ caliper pushed in, it backing part still hits about half of the "hard back" on the brakepad.
I decided to take a look at the caliper side, and theres lotsa room.
So I'm thinking it has to be the upper caliper bolt (the lower one was removed so that I could swing up the caliper)

So how can I move the caliper over (towards the inside of the car). I tihnk i saw some threads and a nut under the rubber boot, but I'm not to confident when it comes to messing w/ **** i dont know of on my brakes

Icemark

the caliper should slide easily over... if it doesn't then you will need to remove the bolt and lube the channel.

the caliper has to float slightly on the rod, so that it can adjust to uneven wear on the pads. If it doesn't float at all then one side pad will wear out faster than the other.

Node

iTrader: (1)

thanks
I'll try and move it over

Icemark

Remember is worst case you can unbolt the whole thing, disconnect the line and rebuild it on the bench... Its pretty hard to screw a caliper up to the piont you need to replace it.

So in other words... Don't stress

Node

iTrader: (1)

I got them changed, I had to wiggle it for a while to get it to finally move over.
Now both pads are changed

Icemark

The caliper should float... make sure it slides easy!!! again if it doesn't you will wear out one pad side faster than the other and you will be replacing the pads again in a couple of months!

use some high temp wheel bearing grease on the rod if the caliper doesn't slide easy.

slidingsky

Are you planing on upgrading to 4pots? I did and I love it.

Node

iTrader: (1)

Nice to know you grave diggers don't ignore my threads

No, not on that car. It is being dealt with. I will report back in two weeks with an update.

banzaitoyota

What are you up to now NOODLES?
Suing the county for the Gravel on the road?

Node

iTrader: (1)

ha, i should
But don't worry, all will be revealed in time.
Have faith in me you must!