How to Replace Mazda 2002 Protege Front Brake Pads

The 2002 Mazda Protege employs front disc brake pads and either rear drum brakes with shoes or rear disc brakes with pads. No matter the style of the rear brakes, the front brakes account for up to 75 percent of the import vehicle's stopping capacity. Because of this, the Protege's front brake pads will require replacing more often then the rear brakes.

Instructions

1

Park the Protege on a level, hard surface, and apply the parking brake. Release the primary hood latch from inside the vehicle.

2

Release the secondary hood release, open the hood, then remove 1/3 of the brake fluid from the master cylinder using a brake fluid siphon. Dispose of the fluid appropriately.

3

Remove the hubcaps (if applicable), then crack the front lug nuts 1/4 turn counterclockwise with the lug wrench.

4

Use the jack to lift one front quarter panel at a time, then lower the vehicle onto carefully placed jack stands set underneath the front frame rails.

5

Remove the caliper mounting bolts with a metric hand wrench.

6

Pry the caliper off the pads and rotor assembly, then use a length of mechanics wire to hang the caliper from the front coil spring to avoid letting it dangle from the rubber brake hose.

7

Remove one of the old pads from the caliper mount, then use the pad as an anchor against the caliper piston in conjunction with the 4-inch C-clamp to compress the caliper piston inward.

8

Remove the remaining pad from the caliper mount, then inspect the rotor for any surface damage such as rust pits, scoring or grooves. If necessary, replace the rotor(s).

9

Apply a light coat of silicone brake lubricant to the upper and lower mounting surfaces of the brake hardware in the caliper mount.

10

Install the new pads (if required, place the stick-on shims supplied in the pads' container first).

11

Remove the mechanics wire from the caliper, then align it over the pads and rotor assembly.

12

Replace the caliper mounting bolts and tighten them to 30 foot-pounds with a torque wrench and a metric socket.

13

Perform the same pad replacement procedure for the other side, then replace both wheels and lug nuts. Tighten the lug nuts snugly to the wheel hub.

14

Raise the Protege with the car jack enough to remove the jack stands (one at a time), then torque the front lug nuts in a crisscross pattern to 80 foot-pounds with the torque wrench and a metric socket.

15

Ensure the cap is secure on the master cylinder, then pump the brake pedal several times until the pedal feels firm. Recheck the brake fluid level in the master cylinder and add brake fluid as needed.

16

Release the parking brake, remove the tire block, then test drive the Protege.