How do you replace the front brake rotors and the brake pads on a 2001 Mazda Protege?

Answer 1

The same procedure applies for both the front and rear rotors of the 2001 Mazda Protege. I did this a while back, so minute details might escape me at this time, but the procedure should be fairly simple, although there are some safety concerns to account for during the procedure, like the possibility of damage to the brake lines, or the probability of the brakes not working for the first several applications. If you feel you might screw something up, or just would feel safer having a professional handle it, then please do so, otherwise, this should guide you in your endeavour:

1.- Remove the wheel (I'll just go ahead and assume anybody knows how to do that).

2.- The caliper has 2 attaching points (1 on top, 1 on bottom) accessible from behind -- remove both attaching points and slide the caliper off the rotor (your choice if you want to support it with somehow, or let it dangle and risk damaging the line).

3.- I'll just assume that you have not changed the rotor previously, since you are asking how to do it, so get ready to beat the living hell out of the rotor because it will most likely have seized to the bearing hub -- eventually, it will release its death-grip and you will be able to continue (Remember, it releases outwards, so hit the inner portion of the rotor -- but not the hub).

4.- Back to the caliper, remove the pads (press in, one at a time, until you can remove each pad -- remember to note which pad had the wear indicator) and retract the pusher (This one is tricky, it had me worried for a minute, but you need to push it back as far as it goes, and then, screw it in the rest of the way, otherwise, your new pads will not clear the rotor), then install the new pads -- remember to anti-seize.

5.- Put the new rotor in (wouldn't hurt to anti-seize), holding it by hand (in a generally straight fashion), and reinstall the caliper back to where it came from -- the caliper and pads will hold your new rotor until you put back the wheel assembly.

6.- Install your wheel back on your vehicle.

7.- Do not forget to seat your new pads, for which you will need to brake several times with the vehicle in motion (it's some pretty hard braking, I might add, just don't lock the wheels), taking care to remember that for the first few brake applications, there may not be any response, so do this in a very open area. You will repeat the procedure until your wear pattern on your rotor is even (it will look like random scratches at first, but then it will fill-in to make a smooth wear mark about the size of the pad).

Hope this helps,

Jonn