Tried to change the rear pads on my s4 vert. Spent 2 hours trying to get the brake piston to retract before I learned I need a special tool. Went to AA and spent another 15 dollars on the cube. Piston still wouldn't go in. Both bleeders cracked open, disconnected the e-brake, opened the master cylinder reservoir. The pads which were worn down to nothing wouldn't even fit back in so now my s4 is bolted back to together on the street with no pads on the back right. I didn't use the brakes I don't wanna destroy the piston even though I probably need a new caliper anyways now. Go Mazda.

 

great first post bro. Maybe some brake clean and some lube next time, ay champ? I did not do 3/4 the manta you did, and got mine to retract just fine using a cube. If it was that seized, or the cube you bought was that cheap, you should of replaced it to begin with.

And no pad material left, yet you put them back on? Glad I do not live in PA.

 

S4 Non-Turbo calipers are 100% worthless. Look in the classifieds, you can probably get someone to sell you a good one for $5

 

Did you read my post? I said I parked it with no pads. It isn't going to move 'bro' relax. Spray it with brake clean and lube? It's a sealed componet what would that do?

I'm going to. Just thought I'd share my frustration with the club. Argh!

 

That's not a Mazda design flaw, that's a 30 year old car. It's like that so the E-brake can be included in the rear caliper without doing a shoe inside the rotor. If there's no pads the piston is out as far as it will go, and they can easily get seized. There's also a tear in the boot, if that was there before that can easily get dirt and contaminants inside.

I just did the brakes on my 88 Base, and had to completely remove the front caliper, punch the bracket out of the caliper, and reassemble everything just to get the caliper to work. It's just old cars, get ready for it. The deeper you get into it the more frustrations you will have.