Personally replacing the brake pads on your Mazda Protege will save you hundreds of dollars. Not only will you save money in the process, but you will also get the satisfaction of repairing your own vehicle. When replacing the brake pads on the car, it is recommended to replace the rotors as well so the new brake pads have an even surface to push against when braking. Replacing the brake pads as well as the rotors will ensure that your brakes last as long as possible.
Lift the Mazda Protege with the jack and place it on jack stands.
Remove the wheels with a lug-nut wrench and set them aside. The lug-nut wrench can be found in the trunk of your Protege. If you cannot find it, you can also use a ratchet and 19mm socket.
Remove the caliper with a ratchet and use a bungee cord to hang the caliper. Do not let the caliper hang from the brake hose as it might break and cause fluid to leak.
Remove the brake caliper bracket from the steering knuckle with a ratchet and set it aside.
Remove the brake rotor from the hub. The rotor might require force to remove; if it does, use a hammer to hit the rotor in the center where the lug studs are located. Take care not to hit the studs.
Remove the new rotor from its packaging, and use brake cleaner to remove the grease from the rotor. Grease is put on the rotor in the factory to inhibit rust during storage.
Install the new rotor onto the hub.
Install the caliper bracket with new brake pads installed onto the rotor and fasten it to the steering knuckle. Use a ratchet to tighten the bolts.
Open the master cylinder reservoir so you don't break a seal while compressing the brake caliper.
Compress the brake caliper with a C-clamp so the caliper can fit over the new brake pads. Install the caliper by securing it to the brake caliper bracket with a ratchet.
