WKeene

Guys, please help...I'm stuck.

I'm replacing the rear brake pads, single piston and can't open the piston up far enough to make room for the new larger brake pads.

Have opened master cyld reservoir & syphoned some fluid out. I've put the old pads back in and have tried clamping the outer brake pad and the caliper, far side (toward diff). Not budging.


Help....what can I do.

Thanks.

Felix Wankel

You have to rotate the piston clockwise for it to retract. This is what the two opposing indentions in the piston are for.

Go to the autoparts store and buy the tool that you put on a 3/8 drive ratchet for this, it saves a big headache.

Silkworm

Yes. It's a round tool, found in the brake section, with two little bumps on it. Chuck it in a ratchet and extension, and turn the piston to retract it.

PaulC

WKeene

Wow...thanks for the quick response Felix!!! I'm feeling better already.

Crap...just re-read the Haynes manual....I was looking at the front brake (single piston).

Yep, rear ones show that you have to rotate the inner portion...just didn't read carefully enough.

Yikes...could I have screwed anything up ? Should I check for damage anywhere..

Silkworm

Oh, you're in SJ.. If you want, you can borrow mine. Call me (408) 316-9707. I'm down near the Capitol Auto Row.

PaulC

PaulC

Im really thinking about not using Mazda brakes when I rebuild my car (eventually). of course I am going to make it a very unique car if I have my way..... and I will

RX7GT

There is a tradeoff in whether or not to use Mazda Genuine brakes. If you use the Mazda pads, you will notice faster wear (it seems they never wear out on the rear though) but you end up with lots of brake dust due to the compound. If you use another brand (Raybestos, etc.) from your local auto parts store, expect less brake dust and less wear to the pads, but possibly heavier wear to the rotors due to a more metallic pad compound. I use Mazda Genuine pads on my T2 and just clean the wheels more often. I have found them to offer the best performance with the least tradeoff.
btw: Be very careful if you are considering "race" pads as they will tend to need much more heat in them to be able to stop quickly. I have tried them and found myself sliding past Interstate exit ramps while trying to build up enough heat to get them to slow the car. Race pads can actually be very dangerous in traffic in case you need to stop quickly.
if you were referring to changing the entire brake system (calipers, rotors, etc.) just be careful of the clearances involved. You don't want a caliper that scrapes the inside of your wheel. Consult the Mazdatrix website or their catalog, I believe that is where I read some very good info about brake swaps. Also check old issues of Sport Compact Car. I know they did a project 7 a few years ago. It may help answer a few questions and maybe even give more ideas.