Mazda MX5 (1998-2005) - 99 1.8S Replacing rear brake discs and pads

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Thu 2 Jul 2009 14:53
99 1.8S Replacing rear brake discs and pads - evansj_uk
I'm thinking about replacing the above myself to save garage costs. I'd be happier working with the aid of a Workshop/Service manual but can't find one to cover this year of car.
Has anyone carried out this work and on a scale of 1 to 10 how difficult is it? Also, does the 'Mazda MX-5/Miata 1.8: Enthusiast's Workshop Manual (up to 1998)' cover this work on this model/year? Is it the same?
Thanks
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Thu 2 Jul 2009 16:36
99 1.8S Replacing rear brake discs and pads - doctorchris
I've never worked on rear discs and pads on this particular car.
However, the big difference between disc brake replacements on front and rear is that the handbrake operates on the rear discs. This means that the pistons need to be wound back into the calliper, not just pushed back.
There are several different tools to do this. The simplest is the "cube" which is cheap and I have found it sufficient for the job.
tinyurl.com/kr7axe
There are other, more expensive tools.
You have to really know what you are doing with brake work, especially on the rear discs.
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Fri 3 Jul 2009 09:39
99 1.8S Replacing rear brake discs and pads - evansj_uk
OK, many thanks for that.
I'll look into the cube but take on board your comments about generally working in brakes and especially rear brakes. Maybe I'l leave this one to the garage!

Cheers
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Fri 3 Jul 2009 10:53
99 1.8S Replacing rear brake discs and pads - Rover25
Once you've put the new discs and pads on, its a bit of a fiddle to set the pads.
Theres an allen screw on the rear of the caliper that sets the pad distance from the disc. You need to get this set correctly so that the handbrake will set up.
Took me ages last time I tried it, it was either too slack so that the handbrake was poor or too tight so that the brakes were binding. Its easiest if you can use axle stands so that both rear wheels are off the ground and you get good access so you can take your time adjusting.
There is some good advice over on the MX5 Owners Club forum.
Alternatively, where abouts in the Country are you, somebody might be able to suggest a specialist near you or a good independant.
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Fri 3 Jul 2009 11:24
99 1.8S Replacing rear brake discs and pads - doctorchris
If there's an Allen screw adjuster on these brakes then my comment about using the cube to wind back the pistons may not apply.
Follow Rover25's advice.
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