Changing Rear Brake Pads

[TVR MAN]

I'm having to change the rear brake pads on my Mum's 2005 MX5 Sport - this has the bigger brakes.

I've never changed brake pads before so this is a bit new to me. I've ordered some cheap Mintex pads (since they will only get very light road use).

Do I need any other bits or any special tools?

Do I need to mess with the handbrake at all?

Any guides, tips or words of warning would be gratefully received!

[Aizle]

You wind in the piston by removing a cover and using an Allen key.

There is a great DIY thread on Nutz.

Have a look, easy for an idiot like me.

If you haven't done this before then please jack the car correctly, use axle stands and chock the car. Be safe

[TVR MAN]

Thanks Aizle.

I find it scary going under cars so I'm very careful with axle stands etc

[Aizle]

http://www.mx5oc.co.uk/forum/forums/t/831.aspx

Think that's the one I followed. You will need to adjust the handbrake afterwards. Check where it is before hand, they do come quite high.

[TVR MAN]

Thanks for that. It looks simple enough all though as always I'm sure I'll find a way to fk it up!

Do you need to release the handbrake prior to doing any of this work?

How do you adjust the handbrake? Do you do this under the car or at the actual handbrake lever in the car?

[Aizle]

I'd release the handbrake if I were you

You adjust it underneath with the brakes. Have a look online there are guides. Forgotten how to do it myself.

It is a simple job, just follow the guide and you'll be fine. Have a look at a few other guides that may be written differently and make more sense. I think if I remember correctly the thread to retract the piston is the opposite way to what you think. As in, clockwise movement retracts it.

Have fun

[MX-5 Lazza]

Handbrake off.
Remove handbrake plastic cover.
Slacken off handbrake cable adjuster.
Remove 14mm bolt on back of calliper (short thread, it's just a cover for the adjuster).
Use 4mm Allen key to wind calliper in.
Remove slide pin so calliper can be rotated off the pads.
Slide calliper off the other slide pin.
Clean up the slide clips and replace pads.
Use copper grease on back of pads/shims and brake grease on slide pins.
Put calliper back on and replace slide pin.
Wind calliper back using 4mm Allen key until it's locked then back off 1/2 to 1/3 turn.
Replace 14mm bolt/cap.
Push brake pedal a few times until it goes solid.
Adjust handbrake cable to get handbrake adjustment correct (no more than 8 clicks).
After the pads have bedded in you might need to readjust handbrake cable.

That's off the top of my head. Is it anywhere near the written advice?

[TVR MAN]

That sounds good, Lazza.

I think I understand now. The only bit I'm not sure of is the springs and clips that hold the pads in place but I'm sure they'll be obvious enough when I actually have a look at it.