How to Change the Brakes on a 1996 Miata

The brake pads on a 1996 Mazda Miata should be inspected every 15,000 miles and replaced at least every 30,000 miles. The brake pads are simple to replace, but unlike with many cars, a special tool to is required to compress the front brake caliper pistons. The pads and tool can be purchased or ordered from most auto-parts shops.

Instructions

Loosen the lug nuts on both front wheels. Lift the front of the vehicle with a floor jack. The lift point is directly between the front wheels. Remove the wheels.

Remove the lower bolt from the back of the caliper. Pivot the caliper around the upper bolt to remove it from the disc. Suspend it with a piece of wire.

Remove the spring that retains the pads. Remove the pads.

Separate the shims and upper and lower guide plates from the pads and attach them to the replacement pads.

Push the piston into the caliper with the piston pushing tool. Install the new pads and attach the spring. Rotate the caliper into place and tighten the bolt to 33 to 39 ft-lbs. of torque. Repeat on the other side of the car.

Attach the wheels and lower the car. Tighten the lug nuts.

Loosen the rear lug nuts and raise the rear of the car. Remove the wheels. The lift point is on the differential housing.

Remove the plug that angles upwards behind the brake assembly.

Pull the cap off the lower bolt on the back side of the caliper and remove the bolt. Rotate the caliper upwards off the disc and suspend it with a piece of wire.

Turn the adjustment gear counterclockwise with an Allen wrench to loosen the caliper.

Remove the spring that retains the brake pads. Remove the pads and separate the shims.

Replace the pads. Installation is the reverse of removal. Tighten the adjustment with an Allen wrench until the wheels start to drag. Loosen the gear one-third of a turn. Replace the wheels and lower the car to the ground. Tighten the lug nuts.