Mazda MX-5 Miata / Grand Touring. Manual - part 25

Brake fluid type  

SAE J1703, FMVSS 116 DOT-3  

1. Remove the bleeder cap from the brake caliper, and connect a vinyl tube to the bleeder screw.  

2. Place the other end of the vinyl tube in a clear container, and fill the container with fluid during air 

bleeding.  

3. Working with two people, one should depress the brake pedal a few times and then depress and hold the 

pedal down.  

4. While the brake pedal is being held down, the other person should loosen the bleeder screw using the 

SST , and bleed any fluid containing air bubbles. Once completed, tighten the bleeder screw. 

Tightening torque  

Front: 6.9-9.8 N.m {71-99 Kgf.cm, 62-86 in.lbf}  

Rear: 6.0-8.0 N.m {62-81 Kgf.cm, 54-70 in.lbf}  

5. Repeat Steps 3 and 4 until no air bubbles are seen.  

6. Perform air bleeding as described in the above procedures for all brake calipers.  

7. After air bleeding, inspect the following: 



Brake operation  



Fluid leakage  



Fluid level  

NOTE:



Keep the fluid level in the reserve tank at 3/4 full or more during the air 
bleeding.  



Begin air bleeding with the master cylinder and then continue with the 
brake caliper that is furthest away from the master cylinder. Finish by 
bleeding air from the master cylinder again.  

 

2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata Grand Touring 

2008 BRAKES Conventional Brake System - MX-5 Miata

  

Fig. 2: Brake Bleeding Procedure 
Courtesy of MAZDA MOTORS CORP. 

VACUUM LINE INSPECTION 

1. Remove the vacuum hose between the power brake unit and the intake manifold using pliers.  

2. Verify that air can be blown from the power brake unit side of the vacuum hose towards the intake 

manifold side, and that air cannot be blown in the opposite direction. 



If there is any malfunction of the inner check valve, replace it together with the vacuum hose as a 
single unit.  

 

2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata Grand Touring 

2008 BRAKES Conventional Brake System - MX-5 Miata

  

Fig. 3: Inspecting Vacuum Line Check Valve 
Courtesy of MAZDA MOTORS CORP. 

BRAKE PEDAL INSPECTION 

BRAKE PEDAL HEIGHT INSPECTION 

1. Measure the distance from the center of the upper surface of the pedal pad to the insulator and verify that 

it is as specified. 



If not within the specification, adjust the pedal height.  

Brake pedal height (reference value) 167 mm {6.57 in}

 

2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata Grand Touring 

2008 BRAKES Conventional Brake System - MX-5 Miata

  

 

2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata Grand Touring 

2008 BRAKES Conventional Brake System - MX-5 Miata