DarkApathy

Im thinking about replacing the break pads on my 90 Lx Pro. Any trouble that I might come across?

mazdaspeedwest

only trick is the rear calipers have an allen screw to manually move the piston. there is a 14mm bolt on the backside that needs to be removed, then slide an allen wrench in (sorry forget the size) to back it off to remove. The reverse for installation. Other than that, is routine.

DarkApathy

I recently looked at a car manual for the First gen Pro at Pep boys, and there seems to be alot of parts you need to remove to get to the brakes. I never replaced brakes before, but if it's complicated as it looks like in the manual...maybe i should just pay some shop to get them replaced. Think i should try to do it myself? Or leave it up to the pros?

marc93lx

Its really not that hard, just make sure you buy that service manual for reference. The hardest part is compressing the piston to get the brake pads out, can be a pain sometimes. I've seen a brake pad seperator at auto zone that might help with this.

mazdaspeedwest

a set of medium sized channel locks will get the piston in a snap. Remember to open the brake fluid resevoir to release the presure.

Also once your new pads are on, you'll most likely need to remove some fluid. Take a straw, put it all the way down in the resevoir, then plug the top the straw with your finger. pull the straw out and drain into a catch can, cup, whatever... repeat until fluid is at the proper level.

Use a lug nut on 1 or 2 studs per corner to hold the rotor in place.

per corner:
4 nuts to take wheel off
2 bolts release each caliper
1 brake line spring
2 brake pad springs
2 brake pads
1 bolt to gain access to adjuster (rear only)

it's really just that easy.