Fitting Rear Brake pads

[artp8]

My rear brake pads are grinding - on MOT pass pre-christmas it was noted they would need replacing soon which is fine - so my question is could someone with next to no mechanical knowledge fit rear pads?

Is it simply a case of wheels off - unclip - pads out, brush clean and new ones in?

I remember years ago I fitted some on my old calibra - and it was ok - but bloody hard work getting the new ones in - so unless its easy I'll swerve it...but don't fancy it otherwise

Also are the pads easy enough to come by? I.e halfords etc?

thanks

[francophile1947]

They're easy enough to do
Doubt if you'll get them from Halfords, but they are available in the Bongo Shop There's a database in the Member's Area, which gives the relevant part numbers.

[mikeonb4c]

They're easy enough to do
Doubt if you'll get them from Halfords, but they are available in the Bongo Shop There's a database in the Member's Area, which gives the relevant part numbers.

Check Bongobits too as they may be cheaper there. Plus (s member RonMiel pointed out) your local Mazda dealer just in case their prices are competitive.

[artp8]

thanks folks...I'll have a dabble then assuming I can get hold of some quick smart

[missfixit70]

Try you local motor factor, seem to be readily available down here.

[Trouble at t'Mill]

As missfixit says, try your local motor factors - fair chance they are shared by other vehicles. And you can't beat a local factors for convenience ( and often price too.)

One thing to watch - when you push the pistons back into the callipers in order for the thicker new pads ('cos they have 'meat' on them) to fit, there's a very strong chance (almost inevitable) that brake fluid will overflow out of the reservoir. You really don't want this going on your paintwork - even the area under the bonnet - so you need to syphon or spoon it out as it rises.

[mikeonb4c]

As missfixit says, try your local motor factors - fair chance they are shared by other vehicles. And you can't beat a local factors for convenience ( and often price too.)

One thing to watch - when you push the pistons back into the callipers in order for the thicker new pads ('cos they have 'meat' on them) to fit, there's a very strong chance (almost inevitable) that brake fluid will overflow out of the reservoir. You really don't want this going on your paintwork - even the area under the bonnet - so you need to syphon or spoon it out as it rises.

Quite right and I take precautions by wrapping rags around the reservoir and checking level as I push the piston back in (with g-clamp but with a piece of wood against the piston so I don't damage it). Interestingly though, the header tank has not threatened to overflow so far.

[artp8]

Forgive my mechanical ignorance (I am techie not mechie!) do I need to open up the brake reservoir when dong them? I don;t get how the fluid can come out if it is sealed...

Damn I feel stupid!

[missfixit70]

you need to take the lid off to allow the level to rise & fall easily, as long as you do it gently, & the reservoir isn't over filled, it shouldn't be an issue, but wrap some rags around just in case, I think there's a fact sheet in the members area.