When the cylinder body is open, do not press the brake pedal, otherwise the piston will pop out.

Do not damage the piston boot and do not allow oil to get on the brake disc

Always replace pads with gaskets

If the gaskets show signs of rust or peeling of the rubber coating, replace them with new ones

Unscrew the connecting bolt only when disassembling and replacing the caliper assembly.

In these cases, hang the cylinder body on a wire so as not to stretch the brake hose.

Burn in the friction surfaces of the brakes in case of boring or replacing drums or discs, after replacing the brake pads or friction linings, and also if the pedal begins to “fall through” after a short run.

Fig. 1. Front brake pads: 1 - brake pads; 2 - coupling springs; 3 - clamping plates

Removing the brake pads

When replacing brake pads, always change the inner and outer gaskets and gasket covers in the kit.

Drain the brake fluid.

Remove the front wheel and temporarily secure the rim with two nuts.

Remove the bolt and detach the brake hose bracket.

Fig. 2. Loosening the caliper mounting bolts

While holding the guide pins, unscrew the caliper mounting bolts (Fig. 2).

Fig. 3. Removing the caliper body

Unscrew the mounting bolts of the caliper body and remove the caliper (Fig. 3).

Fig. 4. Removing the guide pin boots

Holding the caliper in a soft-jawed vise, use a screwdriver and hammer to remove the guide pin boots (fig. 4).

Fig. 5. Removing the brake cylinder boot

Using a screwdriver, remove the brake cylinder boot spring ring and boot (fig. 5).

Place a rag between piston and cylinder.

Fig. 6. Removing the piston from the cylinder: 1 - cloth bag

Using compressed air, remove the piston from the cylinder (fig. 6).

Fig. 7. Removing the oil seal

Using a screwdriver, remove the oil seal (fig. 7).

Fig. 8. Measuring the thickness of the brake pads

Measure the thickness of the brake pads with a ruler (fig. 8). Standard thickness: 12mm

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Preparing the car

We install stops under the rear wheels and hang out the front of the car

Remove the wheel

Mazda 3 front pad replacement

Using a screwdriver, press the piston into the brake cylinder

Mazda 3 front pad replacement

Pry off with a slotted screwdriver and remove the caliper retaining spring

Mazda 3 front pad replacement

Remove the plugs of the bushings of the guide pins

Mazda 3 front pad replacement

Using a 7 hex wrench, unscrew the guide pins of the caliper

Mazda 3 front pad replacement

Remove the caliper without disconnecting the brake hose

Mazda 3 front pad replacement

Remove the inner brake pad

Mazda 3 front pad replacement

Insert the piston into the brake cylinder

We sink the piston gradually, controlling the fluid level in the reservoir of the main brake cylinder. If necessary, we pump out the liquid from the reservoir using a rubber bulb or syringe

Mazda 3 front pad replacement

We tie up the caliper so as not to load the brake hose

Mazda 3 front pad replacement

Remove the outer brake pad

After that, you need to check the thickness and condition of the brake disc

Mazda 3 front pad replacement

Wet with brake cleaner, clean the pad guide and the edge of the brake disc

Mazda 3 front pad replacement

Lubricate the shoe guide with copper grease

Mazda 3 front pad replacement

We clean the working surface of the brake disc on both sides with a special brake cleaner.

This tool easily copes with brake dust, dirt, traces of oil and soot. It restores brake and ABS function by providing movement to parts and dries without leaving marks on work surfaces.

Mazda 3 front pad replacement

Remove the caliper guide pins

Mazda 3 front pad replacement

We clean our fingers from dirt. If there are signs of heavy wear, replace the guide pins

Mazda 3 front pad replacement

Check the condition of the bushings of the guide pins. If damage is found, we will replace them

Install the brake pads in reverse order

Tighten the guide pins of the caliper with a torque of 25-30 Nm

Installing the wheel

In the same way, we replace the brake pads on the other side of the car

We press the brake pedal several times to self-adjust the gaps between the brake pads and the disc

Check the brake fluid level and top it up if necessary