The Mazda brake pads should be replaced every 50,000 miles, according to Mazda's vehicle maintenance schedule for the 2006 Mazda3. The driving habits of the owner as well as environmental differences can shorten the life span of the brake pads. Regular inspection of the vehicle's braking system should include the brake pads, calipers and brake rotors. Scored rotors also can lead to premature wearing of the Mazda's brake pads. Listen for the squeal of the brake pad wear indicators and replace your pads as soon as possible.
Instructions
1. Park the Mazda on level ground. Put the vehicle in park and apply the parking brake. Turn the engine off. Pull the hood release lever and move to the front of the vehicle.
2. Lift the hood of the Mazda, and locate and remove the master cylinder cap. Place a shop rag over the reservoir.
3. Loosen the lug nuts with the tire iron.
4. Place the floor jack beneath the frame of the vehicle and lift the tires at least two inches from the ground. Place jack stands under the frame and rest the Mazda onto the jack stands for support.
5. Remove the lug nuts and take the wheels and tires off.
6. Reach behind the caliper and locate the two caliper pins. Keep the upper pin in place during the brake pad replacement. Remove both pins only if you need to remove the rotor for repairs or replacement.
7. Remove the lower caliper pin with a 7-mm Allen wrench.
8. Swing the caliper upward and away from the caliper bridge that straddles the brake rotor.
9. Remove the brake pads from the caliper bridge. Pry the pads away from the rotor with a flat screwdriver if they are stuck to the caliper bridge by rust. Clean the caliper bridge with brake parts cleaner and a wire brush to rid the component of rust.
10. Place brake grease on the back panels of the new brake pads and slide them onto the slots of the caliper bridge.
11. Squeeze the caliper piston into the side of the caliper using a C-clamp or vise-grip pliers. The pistons are the cylindrical pieces that extend from the inside of the caliper. Depress the pistons to allow for the thicker new brake pads.
12. Swing the caliper back around the caliper bridge and new brake pads. Replace the lower caliper pin and screw it in with the Allen wrench.
13. Return the wheel and tire to the lug bolts and screw on the lug nuts.
14. Repeat the process for any other sets of brake pads you wish to replace.
15. Lift the Mazda and remove the jack stands. Lower the vehicle's tires to the ground and tighten the lugs with the tire iron. Return to the engine compartment.
16. Remove the shop rag and check the level of brake fluid in the reservoir. If necessary, place a funnel into the container and fill the reservoir with brake fluid. Remove the funnel and replace the master cylinder cap.
17.Close the Mazda's hood.
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