How to Change the Brake Pads on a Mazda 3

The braking system on the Mazda 3 consists of the brake rotors, brake pads and the brake calipers. All of these braking components work in conjunction to enable the Mazda to come to a safe and secure stop. The brake pedal pushes the brake fluid through the brake fluid lines towards the brake calipers. The cylinder inside of the brake calipers will then compress against the outer brake pads. The brake pads then compress to the brake rotors. When the caliper cylinder has fully compressed the brake pads to the rotors, the Mazda 3 will come to a complete stop.

Instructions

Park the Mazda 3 on a level surface. Loosen all of the lug nuts from both of the front wheels.

Jack the front end of the Mazda 3 up in the air. Once the Mazda is high enough, position the jack stands under the front jack points on both sides of the car. Slowly lower the jack so that the Mazda 3 comes to a secure stop on the stands. Leave the jack fully upright under the car.

Finish unscrewing the lug nuts from the front driver-side wheel. Pull the wheel off and place it down flat near the front of the Mazda 3.

Remove the outer spring clip that is holding the outer brake pad to the brake caliper. Do this by prying the spring clip off with a flat-head screwdriver.

Locate the two upper and lower rubber bushings on the back side of the brake caliper. These rubber bushings are covering the Allen-head bolts. Pull the rubber bushings out with your fingers and set then to the side.

Unscrew the two Allen-head bolts with the 7 mm Allen wrench. Turn the caliper bolts counterclockwise to loosen and remove the bolts.

Pull the brake caliper off the brake rotor and hang it to the front strut with the bungee cord.

Take the inner brake pad out of the caliper. Put the outer brake pad inside of the brake caliper facing the caliper cylinder. Position the C-clamp inside of the brake caliper towards the outer brake pad. Turn the C-clamp clockwise to compress the outer brake pad towards the cylinder. Once the cylinder has fully retracted inside of the caliper, unscrew the C-clamp and remove it from the caliper.

Pull the outer brake pad out along with any other brake pad accessories such as clips and shims. Position the outer brake pad into the brake caliper mounting bracket that is still on the brake rotor.

Position the inner brake pad into the brake caliper. Then slide the brake caliper over the outer brake pad and the brake rotor. Reattach the outer brake pad spring clip. Line the two upper and lower caliper mounting bolt holes up. Screw the two Allen bolts back in place and tighten down tight with the 7 mm Allen wrench.

Put the wheel back on and tighten the lug nuts down as tight as you can get them. Move to the front passenger side and follow the same steps as outlined above for changing the brake pads on the front passenger-side wheel.

Jack the Mazda 3 back up and remove the jack stands. Lower the Mazda 3 back to the ground. Crank the Mazda 3 up and pump the brake pedal in and out six times. This will fit the new pads to the rotor and remove any air from the brake lines. Turn the engine off.