2002 Mazda Protege Rear Pads Won't Fit

MAZDA PROTEGE
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MIKE7655
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  • 1 POST
I have a 2002 mazda protege (rear brakes) I'm not much of a car guy but thought I would do my own brakes (pads) having a friend to come over later to help (show) me but thought I would see what I could do on my own before he got here when I took off the caliper to put new pads on there is not enough room to put back on over the rotor the pads are almost touching??? How do I get them farther apart?? Thanks for your help
Apr 2, 2006 at 2:17 PM
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SYNCRAIT
  • ✓Experienced Mechanic
  • 235 POSTS
you need to open the brake fluid container under the hood and try to stuff a rag under it the best you can because you will have fluid overflow probably..... next while the caliper is off you need to find a way to depress the piston in the caliper probably using vice grips or a screwdriver.... do this only when the pads are off because you may crack or gouge the pad itself
May 5, 2006 at 12:05 PM
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COSMO
  • ✓Experienced Mechanic
  • 347 POSTS
WEll you could try all you want to push the piston back with a pair of channel lokcs or a screw driver....but buddy it aint gonna happen with the rear calipers on a '01-'03. The rear calipers of a protege have to be turned back using an allen key.

Also the protege's have a rather common problem with seizing the pads in the caliper cages...so make sure the cage is filed/sanded out well
May 5, 2006 at 2:23 PM
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Suggested Repair

On 2001-2003 Mazda Protege rear calipers, rotate the piston back with an Allen key rather than only pushing it in. Open the brake fluid reservoir and protect against overflow. Also clean or lightly file the caliper cage if the pads are seized or tight.

Conversation Summary

The owner of a 2002 Mazda Protege could not refit the rear caliper over the rotor after installing new pads because the piston was not retracted. One reply suggested opening the fluid reservoir and pushing the piston in with pliers or a screwdriver. Another explained that these rear calipers must be wound back with an Allen key and that seized pad cages should be cleaned or filed.

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