gbean

My 2002.5 Protege ES needs new rear brake pads, I dont know what I should get or where.

It is the 5-lug hub version and all the parts stores ask if it has the "sport" suspension.
I assume it does, as it is an ES.
So I dont even know if there is a difference in the pads anyway.
Any Help?

And anyone have trouble with the front rotors warping? I had them turned at about 37K miles under warranty, they were 1/8" off but I can feel them doing it again.

Roddimus Prime

theres no difference in rear pads. Just tell them yes. Before installing them just hold them up to your old ones to make sure.

I've had 0 problems out of my brakes of course I baby them and I use the brembo rotors with slots and drills.

Da P-Funk!

1. Try Hawk Pads - i am really liking them.
2. Usually the rotors warp because one makes a high speed stop and leaves the hot pads contacting the rotor in one place. Once turned - the rotors are even thinner and more suseptable to warping. Try better rotors and after hard stops let the car roll a little and reapply (repeat as needed). Relaease the pedal (neutral/clutch in) if you can...

Jackelope

^ i just made sure mine matched what was previously on the car... of course, they were wrong... gave me "ES" pads for my "MSP" - lucky i have an ES too. (place swore that they were for mazdaspeed protege, lady didnt know what she was talking about)

... and quit slowing down for the curves

Ken@ProtegeGarage

i carry hawk and ebc brake pads for the 3rd gen proteges

gbean

I speed up for the curves!
So where can I find good rotors at a great price?

Adn I had the dealer run my VIN, it does have the "Sport" Susp. He said all the 2002.5 ES models came with it. Dunno if he knew what he was talking about hough, as he said they ES's came with both 5 and 4 lug hubs. The only ES's like mine I have seen have 5 lug hubs.

Jackelope

rotors - protegegarage.com

EBC - $159
PS - $199

gbean

Thanks, that looks like a good deal on rotors.

I ended up trying the Lifetime warranty pads from Autozone, they were only $16 for the set and htey replace them free when they wear out. We'll see how they work.

Oh, here's a tech question...
Is it normal for the emergency brake light to come on under med. to heavy breaking when the rear pads are low?

Ken@ProtegeGarage

the light coming on typically means lower than needed levels of brake fluid

gbean

Thanks, the fluid didnt look low in the reservoir, but I still added a little and the light quit coming on.
I got the pads replaced on the rear, after a search on here for how to retract the caliper pistons. Apparently you have to screw them back with a 4 mm allen key instead of using a clamp. I only spent about 45 minutes tinkering with it before I found the answer. Oh well. Brakes feel better than new now.