Mazda MX-5 Miata / Grand Touring. Manual - part 36

Fig. 41: Inspecting Disc Plate-To-Pad Friction Surface 
Courtesy of MAZDA MOTORS CORP. 

Disc Plate Thickness Inspection 

1. Measure the thickness of the disc plate. 



If the thickness is not within the specification, replace the disc plate.  

Minimum rear disc plate thickness  

8 mm {0.31 in}  

Minimum rear disc plate thickness after machining using a brake lathe on-vehicle  

8.8 mm {0.35 in}  

Disc Pad Thickness Inspection 

CAUTION:



Excessive runout may result if the disc plate is removed from the 
vehicle then machined. Machine the disc plate while installed on the 
vehicle.  

 

2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata Grand Touring 

2008 BRAKES Conventional Brake System - MX-5 Miata

  

1. Jack up the front of the vehicle and support it with safety stands.  

2. Remove the wheel and tires.  

3. Verify the remaining thickness of the pads. 

Minimum rear disc pad thickness  

2.0 mm {0.079 in} min.  

4. Replace the pads as a set (right and left wheels) if either one is at or less than the minimum thickness. 

Fig. 42: Inspecting Disc Pad Thickness 
Courtesy of MAZDA MOTORS CORP. 

REAR BRAKE (DISC) REMOVAL/INSTALLATION 

1. Remove in the order indicated in Fig. 43 .  

2. Install in the reverse order of removal.  

3. After installation, depress the brake pedal a few times, and inspect the following. 



The disc pad projection is securely installed to the piston groove  



Parking brake lever stroke  



Brake drag  

 

2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata Grand Touring 

2008 BRAKES Conventional Brake System - MX-5 Miata

  

Fig. 43: Identifying Rear Brake (Disc) Components (With Torque Specifications) 
Courtesy of MAZDA MOTORS CORP. 

DISC PLATE REMOVAL NOTE 

1. Mark the wheel hub and disc plate.  

2. Remove the disc plate. 

 

2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata Grand Touring 

2008 BRAKES Conventional Brake System - MX-5 Miata

  

Fig. 44: Identifying Wheel Hub & Disc Plate Mark 
Courtesy of MAZDA MOTORS CORP. 

DISC PLATE INSTALLATION NOTE 

1. Remove any rust or foreign material from the wheel hub and disc plate.  

2. Align the marks made before removal and install the disc plate to the wheel hub.  

CALIPER INSTALLATION NOTE 

1. Clean the exposed area of the piston.  

2. Rotate the piston clockwise slowly using the SST and push the piston completely until the piston grooves 

are in the position shown in Fig. 45 .  

3. Install the caliper. 

 

2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata Grand Touring 

2008 BRAKES Conventional Brake System - MX-5 Miata