I actually had to manufacture a part to change the brakes, because none of the piston tools fit the Mazda 3. Once you have everything off (tires, rotor, cliper) will will have to release the valve so that the pressure can be relieved. You will see 2 small indentions on the piston. You will have to alternate between turning that piston head and compressing the piston with a clamp. It took me a long time, and I broke a clamp before I realized you have to turn the piston head. I will try to get somes pics when i do it again to show everyone.
Rewind it with a piston rewind tool or, at a pinch, use needle nose pliers.
If parking brake uses these calipers - they are threaded special tool (not expensive) is required, availlable at Sears or auto parts to thread piston fully into caliper body
Most likely the piston will need to be turned not compressed
If your 2004 Mazda 6 is like my 2004 Mazda 3s, the only way to retract the rear piston is to set the parking brake. Then either turn with pliers or depress with c-clamp until fully compressed. Make sure to turn the cap of reservoir off to make compressing easier. And of course, remember to tighten again after completing brake work. Disregard all of the other advice being given to turn hex screws and the such. These components don't exist on newer mazdas. Good Luck! Galdekot
I have a 2004 TSX and learned the hard way how to change the rear brakes and had to buy a rebuilt caliper for my mistake. Most brake calipers compress with a simple C-clamp to make room for the larger/newer brake pads. The rear brakes on a TSX are different and you'll notice they have a couple of grooves on the caliper piston. They make a tool that is sold at AutoZone that allows you to compress the caliper piston by rotating it clockwise back into the piston. (It looks like a metal cube with metal prongs sticking out) I also recommend using brake grease on the exposed caliper piston boot prior to compressing it as this will allow the piston to rotate without damaging the boot. Don't forget to bleed the brakes afterward since rotating the piston will likely allow some air into the brake caliper.
To change the brakes on a Mazda 3 shouldn't be rocket science. However it took me a lil while to figure it out. It's almost the same as changing regular caliper brakes except instead of using a C-clamp or similar object to compress the piston...use a pair of needlenose pliers and turn the tip of the piston in a clockwise rotation to compress it. A clamp will not work. aside from that everything should be pretty simple. Hope this helps make sure to apply pressure while turning
take the tire off, remove the caliper, remove and replace brake pads, compress piston, slide caliper over the roter, tighten up the bolts on the back of the caliper, do one side at a time, open up the master cylinder before messing with it, its pretty easy.
screw it in turn the piston clockwise and screw it in , only for rear brakes
The brake pads on a 2004 Dodge Ram 2500 4x4 are replaced by removing the wheels, unbolting the calipers, and taking out the brake pads. The caliper piston must be pressed back in before new pads are installed.
Same as you would for any 1999-2005. See related links below.
Remove the rear wheels. Remove the Caliper off the Rotor by removing the two (top and bottom) bolts that hold it on. (14mm i think) Remove the old pads. Compress the piston all the way back into the caliper to provide space for the new pads. (Checker/O'Reilly Auto sells a cube like tool that fits onto a 1/2" ratchet to compress the piston) Put the tabs and new pads in. Replace the caliper mounting bolts and attach the caliper back onto the rotor. After you're done make sure you press the brake padel in all the way and Slowly let it out. You're making sure the caliper piston is correctly seated against the pads and they'll self adjust.
Piston Whipped was created in 2004.