Bizob

Can I use the rear calipers from an Escort on my Protege?

Mine are finished.

I was wondering because the Escort ones are bound to be alot cheaper because Mazda parts are disgustingly overpriced.

Also, are there any other calipers that will fit as far as you all know? For example, can I use RX-7 calipers or are there Precidia or Miata calipers that work better than the Protege ones and will fit?

I don't want to make my rear brakes overly powerful, but I changed everything but the calipers a year ago and my rear brakes still suck. I have never been able to make an emergency stop with my handbrake.....

Basically, I want your opinion about what the best thing to do for new calipers is, both performance and budget-wise.

Thanks.

semtex

wont the front calipers of a junker do?

midnightblue97

No. for various reasons.

Now, I don't really see why the rear calipers from an Escort, or a MX-3 wouldn't work.
I've read a few things about the shittyness of the rear discs on the first gens, and that they seize alot.
I remember reading something from Vaughan on Pretegetech, that some people he knows use some kind of lube from VW or Audi and it pretty well eliminated the sticking sliders.
I still have yet to find out what the product name is however.

mazdaspeedwest

MX3 (Precidia) Miata or EGT calipers will fit.

Have you checked your E-brake cables? they may be stretched or not adjusted properly. In 13 years, i have never had any brake issues what so ever...YMMV.

BTW, what cha doing to have to panic stop with the E-Brake? or are ya goofin off in parking lots

BTW2, dude, the cars looks EXCELLENT!!! Looks like a metallic charcoal/grey. the lights in the front bumper look great too.

Bizob

I think it might actually have something to do with the e-brake...

How can I adjust it? Come on, Darryl, you're the how-to guy!!


I tried to panic stop with the e-brake because I had doubts that it was'nt working right. Better to know than try to use it and it not be there, right? I only mess around in parking lots in the winter... lol.


And thanks for the compliments on the paint. You should see it in person, it's beautiful in the sunlight.

mazdaspeedwest

there are adjustments at the calipers and at the E-Brake arm itself, pretty sure they are self explanitory....If i've never had a problem with it or it's not a performance upgrade, i don't have a how-to for it...

But if the cables are stretched, they will need to be replaced without a doubt.

jporky99

it is to my understanding that the best way to stop your car in an emergency situation is NOT to use the e-brake.

if you're talking about like, your car's clutch craps out on a hill . . . then it's time to worry.

Bizob

If you mean a weekend where I will be able to meet you, then next weekend would be fine.

Otherwise, anytime is a great time to visit Montreal.


And Darryl, I had adjusted it at the arm and it had helped, but just a little.

The cables are about 5 months old, so they should be in pretty good shape.

I'll try adjusting it at the calipers and I'll give you some news after.

I'd also like to find out what that lubricant is `cause I'll need some for sure.

mazdaspeedwest

I don't see why you couldn't use a good synthetic grease for lubing the cables.

Oh, if the brakes have too much rear bias, you'll proably be looking at the rear end coming around on you. (i.e. using the E-Brake at speed to stop)

Bizob

I know, I just want them to work the way they're supposed to. The only thing I would ever use my cable brake for is if something went wrong with the regular brakes as a mechanical, fail-safe option.

Bruce95fmla

bob you have to rember that you have 17's on your car, so it may be harder for your Ebrake to just lock that disc up (due to weight) ..

If you don't adjust the ebrake where mazwest said then it may be under the ebrake panel in the car ..

mazdaspeedwest

Bruce, That is where he adjusted it from, at the arm in the car. (scroll up a few posts) It may need adjusting at the calipers now.

Bizob, Also, double check the caliper allen screw adjustmnent for the pads. It may not be adjusted properly. (i.e. the pads are a bit too far away from the rotor)

if you wanna get real trick with it, you could install a bias valve and have on the fly, at your finger tips brake bias adjustment

Man every time i see your sig pic, i think, tabaslack, ton bazoo y'est fly!!! How's that for my attempt at french slang? LOL (it's been a Loooooong time since i had too)