replacing brake pads (fc)
 

I have found a good write-up for replacing pads on FD's, so is it very similar/the same for FC's???

it looks very much alike but I would like to make sure.

Also, when replacing brake pads, do you have to bleed the system?

You don't have to bleed the system. Replacing the fronts on the FC is remarkably easy. The rears require a little tool (Or pointy pliers) to screw the piston back in.

Cory

4 piston FC front brakes are pretty easy, pull the spring clip, 2 pins, and out come the pads. Don't even need tools except to compress the pistons back in. Now, if I could find a tool to do that, I'd buy it, but haven't gotten around to looking for one. I usually use a screwdriver in a pinch)

Rear brakes are a hassle, the needle nose pliers just scored the surface of the piston, I had to buy the tool. It was 9.99 at Pep Boys, works 'ok'. Twist the piston to retract.

One hint, when compressing the pistons in the front, use the old brake pad, and 2 C clamps. do it gradually so that you are compressing the two pistons equally. This will prevent one piston from pushing out as the other goes in, keep the pistons straight in the bore and prevent any damage to the dust boot. If a piston is hard to push in even with the clamp, it is not going in straight, back off the clamp a little and start over. Once you get the hang of it all four corners should take about an hour max. Carl Byck
ps. make sure you take a turkey baster and remove some fluid from the resivor even though it is low. When you compress the pistons the resivor will fill, and you'll have fluid all over the place.

Mazda has a tool to compress the front calipers. Don't know anything about it but it is available. I use the two c-clamp method and the old pads or some scrap steel.

If you have never bled the brakes on your FC chances are it needs it. Nah, it definetely needs it. I'd recommend a complete flush. If the fluid's been in the car as long as I'm guessing it's easy to pump it through until you see good clear fluid coming out the bleeder. The old stuff is probably pretty black and you'll know the good stuff when you see it. Just take your time and be patient. I've written a bleeding how-to and others probably have as well so a search should tell you what you need to know.

Chris