How do you replace the front brake pads on a 95 Mazda 626?

Answer 1

* Jack the front of the car up (should use jack stands for safety) and block the rear wheels. * Remove the front wheels (remember to break the lug nuts before jacking up the vehicle). * Remove the caliper from the hub assembly. There will be 2 bolts holding each caliper to the hub assembly. The bolts are on the inside of the caliper (the side facing the engine). * ** CAUTION: The calipers are somewhat heavy and if dropped or left hanging, damage to the brake lines can occur. You might want to have a bucket or something else close by that you can set the caliper on once it is detached from the hub assembly. ** Note: If you experienced uneven stopping prior to changing the brake pads you should have the rotors turned to smooth them out. Some mechanics recommend always turning your rotors when chaning brake pads. * Each caliper will have 2 pads in it. There are also two wires in each caliper that act as springs to keep the pads separated when the brakes are not engaged. Pay attention to the position of the spring before removing the pads so you can replace them in the same spot when installing the new pads. * ** Note: It's usually a good idea to remove the pads from one side at a time. This way you can refer to the side that still has the pads in if you need help figuring out how to get the new pads in or where the "springs" should be located. * Remove the old pads and take care not to lose the "springs". * Next you will need to compress the caliper piston. This can be done with a C-clamp or you can purchase a brake piston compression tool. The tool is in-expensive and works very well but a C-clamp will work. * After you have the pistion compressed it's time to install the new pads. Place the new pads and springs in the caliper (this may be easier said then done the first time you change the pads). * Once the new pads are in, bolt the caliper back to the hub assembly. Make sure to get the bolts tight (some cars have torque specifications for the caliper bolts, refer to your owners manual or call a dealer to find out). * You might also want to lubricate the caliper slides. There should be two rubber dust covers that cover the caliper slides. You can push the rubber covers back and apply the lubricant (brake caliper lubricant can be purchased at any auto parts store, you can usually buy a small packet of it for about $1). * ** CAUTION: Never apply any kind of lubricant to the face of the brake pads (the part that contacts the rotor). * Repeat the procedure for the other front wheel. * Lower the vehicle * ** CAUTION: Before putting the vehicle in gear be sure to pump the brakes until you feel resistence. The brake pads won't be in the correct position initially because of the compressing of the caliper piston. You have to pump the brakes several times so the caliper piston can get set in the proper position. Also, it's a good idea to have your hand on the emergency brake the first time you put it in gear just in case the brakes fail.