Replace Rear Pads on a Mazda

Replace the rear brakes on the Mazda is not difficult. Disc brakes work by using friction between the brake pads and rotors. Friction wears down the brake pads, and you will have to replace them periodically. Brake pad wear is relative to the amount of use the brakes get. You want to make sure that you inspect the rotors when you change the brake pads. If the rotors are bad, you will need to replace them, or they will only damage your new brake pads.

Procedures:
1. Park the Mazda on a level, paved surface and turn off the engine. Open the engine compartment and siphon about ½ of the brake fluid from the master cylinder with a turkey baster. Put the fluid in a drain pan for recycling. Place wheel chocks in front of the front wheels. Raise the Mazda with the automobile jack. Place a jack stand under the car and raise it to the frame. Remove the lug nuts from the wheel with a lug wrench and pull the wheel from the car.
2. Loosen the top bolt on the brake caliper with a socket and ratchet. Pivot the caliper in a downward motion and pull it from the brake rotor. Remove the brake pads from the caliper. Insert the piston tool into the caliper and twist the handle until the piston seats itself within the caliper housing.
3. Install the new brake pads into the caliper. Insert the shims behind the brake pads. Pivot the caliper upward and onto the rotor. Tighten the bolt with the socket and ratchet. Remount the wheel onto the car and tighten the lug nuts with the lug wrench. Remove the jack stand from under the car and lower it to the ground. Repeat the process on the other wheel.
4. Add brake fluid, as needed, to the master cylinder. Pump the brake pedal a few times until the brake pads seat themselves on the rotors and the pedal feels firm.