Caliper Seized!
 

Welp, my right rear brake started grinding last night... :( I babied it home using excess engine braking because I had hopes of saving the rotors... it paid off!

This morning I looked at it and on one side the pad is gone, the other side has over 50% left (will compare when I get new pads). Luckly the rotor isn't ruined, it just ground off the ridge created by the pad, no damage to the area where the pad contacts to rotor. :)

Anyway I checked 4 auto stores today, 2 didn't have any rear caliper stuff (4 wheel disc on 1g is rare up here). One store said $120 for one caliper, the other said $100 for one. NONE of them had rebuild kits. I went to mazda and ordered full rebuild kits for both rear calipers for $80.

Some advice: To people who have recently aquired proteges with 4 wheel discs, I suggest you inspect the pads for even wear. 90&00 Protege told me to check that out, but I kept putting it off! Now I'm stuck without my pro for a few days :( (and the rx-7 is in parts too) Check it out BEFORE something like this happens! /end ranting

And finally a question... Will I need any special tools for the rebuild?

Now if I could just find my penetrating oil I could get the damn calipers off the car ;)

:the finge
Well you can pretty much guarantee I'll listen to you guys in the future. ;)

w00t!
 

Well I got the rebuild kit today. It turned out cheaper then the dealer had told me! $42.15 canadian for the seal and boot kit. I like it when things turn out cheaper than you expect :D

Question: I got the calipers off the car, and I'm wondering what I should soak them (maybe over night?) to make this an easier task? Are the piston and the caliper both aluminum?

-Dave "I think I'm in over my head"