How to Replace Mazda MPV Brake Rotors

It is always recommended to replace the brake pads when replacing the brake rotors on a Mazda MPV, however, it is not required. The surface of new brake pads "seated" against the surface of a new rotor, establishes a better relationship between the friction material of the pads and the rotors. However, if the brake pads were recently replaced and you're still experiencing some symptoms from the front brakes, replacing the rotors will most likely solve the problem.

Things You'll Need

  • Car lift
  • 1/2 inch drive impact gun
  • 1/2 inch metric impact socket set
  • Screwdriver
  • Large C-clamp
  • Wire coat hanger or metal hook
  • Metric box end wrench set
  • Large set of channel locks
  • Impact screwdriver
  • Hammer
  • Safety glasses
  • 21mm, 80 foot pound torque stick
  • Replacement rotors
  • Parts cleaner unit or brake clean solvent spray
  • Replacement pads (optional)
  • Wire brush (optional)
  • Brake lubricant
  • Put on the safety glasses. Use the car lift to lift the Mazda MPV to waist level. Remove the hub caps.

  • Remove the lug nuts from both front wheels with an impact gun and a 21mm socket. Remove the wheels.

  • Remove the two caliper slide bolts with a 17mm box end wrench if replacing the brake pads in addition to the rotors. If not, remove the two caliper anchor bolts to remove the caliper as an assembly (with pads intact to the anchor) with the impact gun and a 21mm socket.

  • Pry the caliper (or caliper assembly) off of the rotor with the screwdriver. Support the caliper to the coil spring using a metal coat hanger (bend it in the shape of a hook) or a metal hook so it does not hang from the brake hose. If you're replacing the pads, you can now remove the two caliper anchor bolts, remove the pads, and set the anchor aside. Compress the piston of the caliper (with pads in or out) using a large set of channel locks to squeeze the piston slowly into the caliper piston bore.

  • Inspect the front of the rotor hub face for retaining screws. Certain year MPVs may have a rotor retaining screw holding the rotor in place to the hub. If present, remove the retaining screws with an impact screwdriver (using a large Phillips head bit) and a hammer.

  • Remove the rotor.

  • Clean the rust prevention residue from the surface of the new rotor by placing it in a parts cleaner or spraying it with a brake clean solvent spray.

  • Replace the rotor onto the hub of the MPV and replace the retaining screws (if applicable).

  • If replacing the brake pads, clean the pad contact points of the caliper anchor with a wire brush. Clean the brake dust, rust and corrosion from the points and then apply a light coat of brake lubricant to them. This will help the pads to slide along the contact points of the anchor when compressed by the caliper piston. Replace the anchor and tighten the bolts. Insert the pads into the anchor. Place the caliper over the pads and rotor and tighten the slide bolts with a ratchet and socket. Do not use the impact gun on the slide bolts or you can strip the threads on them. If you're not replacing the pads, replace the caliper assembly and the two anchor bolts. Tighten the bolts using the impact gun and a 21mm socket.

  • Replace the wheel and lug nuts. Tighten the lug nuts alternately using the impact gun and a 21mm 80 foot pound torque stick. Replace the hub cap.

  • Repeat steps 2 to 10 for the other side.

  • Lower the MPV and pump the foot brake pedal to seat the pads to the rotors and restore the compressed caliper pistons. Check the master cylinder brake fluid level and adjust if necessary after you've pumped the brakes.