Mazda MX-5 Miata (1997+). Manual - part 28

MINIMUM PAD LINING SPECIFICATIONS (FRONT)

Fig. 8: Exploded View Of Front Disc Brake Assembly (RX7) 
Courtesy of MAZDA MOTORS CORP. 

FRONT DISC BRAKE CALIPER 

Removal & Installation (Except B2300, B3000 & B4000) 

Raise and support front of vehicle. Remove front wheel assemblies and disconnect brake hose. Plug all 

Application

Thickness In. (mm)

B2300, B3000 & B4000

.12 (3.0)

Miata, MX-6, Protege, RX7, 626 & 929

.04 (1.0)

Millenia, MPV & MX-3

.08 (2.0)

NOTE:

For removal and installation of front disc brake caliper for B2300, B3000 & 
B4000, see FRONT DISC BRAKE PADS .

 

1997 Mazda MX-5 Miata 

BRAKE SYSTEM 1995-97 BRAKES Mazda - Disc & Drum

  

openings. Remove front disc brake pads. See FRONT DISC BRAKE PADS . Remove remaining mounting 
bolt(s). Remove caliper from vehicle. To install, reverse removal procedure. Bleed air from system. 

FRONT BRAKE ROTOR 

Removal & Installation (B2300, B3000 & B4000 2WD) 

1. Raise and support vehicle. Remove front wheel assemblies and brake caliper. See FRONT DISC 

BRAKE PADS . Remove grease cap, cotter pin, retainer, adjusting nut, washer and outer bearing. 
Carefully remove hub and rotor assembly. Remove inner bearing and seal.  

2. To install, reverse removal procedure. Adjust front wheel bearings. While rotating rotor, tighten adjusting 

nut 17-25 ft. lbs. (23-34 N.m) to seat bearings. Back off adjusting nut 1/2 turn. Tighten adjusting nut to 
18-20 INCH lbs. (2.0-2.3 N.m). Install bearing retainer and NEW cotter pin. DO NOT turn adjusting nut 
to align cotter pin.  

Removal (B2300, B3000 & B4000 4WD With Automatic Locking Hubs) 

1. Raise and support vehicle. Remove front wheel assemblies and caliper. See FRONT DISC BRAKE 

PADS . Remove retainer washers from lug nut studs. Remove automatic locking hub assembly from 
spindle.  

2. Remove snap ring from end of spindle shaft. Remove axle spacers. See Fig. 9 . Carefully pull cam 

assembly off wheel bearing adjusting nut. If necessary, rotate adjusting nut slightly to relieve pressure on 
locking key.  

3. Using a magnet, remove locking key. Using 2 3/8" Hex Lock Nut Wrench (49-UN01-037), remove wheel 

bearing adjusting nut. Remove outer wheel bearing and rotor.  

Installation 

When installing rotor, outer bearing and adjusting nut, tighten adjusting nut to 35 ft. lbs (47 N.m) to seat 
bearings. Spin rotor, and back off adjusting nut 1/4 turn. Tighten adjusting nut to 16 INCH lbs. (1.8 N.m). To 
install remaining components, reverse removal procedure. See Fig. 7 . After assembly is complete, wheel to 
spindle end play should be .000-.003" (.00-.08 mm). 

CAUTION: Extreme caution must be used when aligning adjusting nut lug with 

spindle locking key slot to prevent damage to locking key.

 

1997 Mazda MX-5 Miata 

BRAKE SYSTEM 1995-97 BRAKES Mazda - Disc & Drum

  

Fig. 9: Removing Front Rotor (B2300, B3000 & B4000 With Automatic Locking Hubs) 
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO. 

Removal (B2300, B3000 & B4000 4WD With Manual Locking Hubs) 

1. Raise and support vehicle. Remove front wheel assemblies and caliper. See FRONT DISC BRAKE 

PADS . Remove retainer washers from lug nut studs. Remove manual locking hub assembly from 
spindle.  

2. Remove snap ring from end of spindle shaft. Remove axle spacers. See Fig. 10 . Using Lock Nut Wrench 

(49-UN01-042), remove outer wheel bearing lock nut. Remove lock washer. Using lock nut wrench, 
remove inner wheel bearing lock nut. Remove outer wheel bearing, cup and rotor.  

Installation 

When installing rotor, outer bearing and inner lock nut, tighten inner lock nut to 35 ft. lbs. (47 N.m) to seat 
bearings. Spin rotor, and back off inner lock nut 1/4 turn. Tighten inner lock nut to 16 INCH lbs. (1.8 N.m). To 
install remaining components, reverse removal procedure. See Fig. 10 . After assembly is complete, wheel to 
spindle end play should be .000-.003" (.00-.08 mm).

 

1997 Mazda MX-5 Miata 

BRAKE SYSTEM 1995-97 BRAKES Mazda - Disc & Drum

  

Fig. 10: Removing Front Rotor (B2300, B3000 & B4000 With Manual Locking Hubs) 
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO. 

Removal & Installation (Except B2300, B3000 & B4000) 

1. Raise and support front of vehicle. Remove front wheel assemblies. Remove front disc brake caliper with 

brake hose connected. See FRONT DISC BRAKE CALIPER . Wire caliper aside. Remove rotor-to-hub 
screws (if equipped). Remove rotor.  

2. Machine rotor if lateral runout exceeds specification. Replace rotor if measured thickness is less than 

specified minimum thickness. See DISC BRAKE SPECIFICATIONS . To install, reverse removal 
procedure.  

REAR DISC BRAKE PADS 

Removal & Installation (Miata & Protege) 

1. Raise and support rear of vehicle. Remove rear wheel assemblies. Remove manual adjustment gear 

concealment plug from caliper. See Fig. 11 . Insert an appropriate size Allen wrench through hole and 
turn manual adjustment gear counterclockwise to retract caliper piston.  

2. Remove lower guide bolt from caliper. Rotate caliper upward and wire side. Remove "M" spring. 

Remove pads, shims and guide plates. Replace pad if lining thickness is less than .04" (1.0 mm). To 
install, reverse removal procedure. Turn manual adjustment gear clockwise until brake pads slightly touch 
rotor. Turn manual adjustment gear back 1/3 turn. 

 

1997 Mazda MX-5 Miata 

BRAKE SYSTEM 1995-97 BRAKES Mazda - Disc & Drum