How many kms before first brake pad change
 

Can anyone let me know about what kms/miles did they change their brake pads?? Prices?
I know it depends on how you drive.

I just got mine changed at Mazda for a price of $250 CANADIAN
my speedometer reading was about 47000 kms which is about 29204 miles

new brake pads
 

Would like to change my own brake pads when eventually
needed on my 2002 Protege. Is there a good web site or book which details how to do this step-by-step, for a non-mechanic but someone who does all his own scheduled maintenance work?

I have looked at Mazda Protege Shop Manual. It assumes too much prior knowledge to be usable, in my opinion (as well as costing as much as a brake job!). But thanks for your input.

I've got a '99 protege wth 63,000km on it, and haven't touched my brakes yet.

If you've got a '02, I doubt you'll need to touch them anytime soon.

Richard, you do have to at least loosen that second bolt to rotate the caliper off the rotor right? ;) j/k The 3rd gen calipers use two pain in @$$ wire springs to retain the brake pads in the rotor. I find it easier to remove both bolts so I can hold the caliper upside down in my hand in order to fiddle with the springs.

I'd have to agree with you. I think the Haynes series of shop manuals are a bit more user friendly for less experienced do it yourselfers. The step by step instructions, and numerous pictures make things easier to understand if you haven't had a lot of experience working on similar cars. Unfortunately, our cars are relatively new, and Haynes doesn't have a manual out for us yet. Go to their website and send them an email asking for a manual. http://www.haynes.com/