Mazda recommends replacing the rear brake pads on the Protege5 every 40,000 miles. During the replacement, inspect the rotors for damage. If the rotors are heavily scored or warped, replace them with new discs to ensure safe driving. The rear brakes are anti-lock disc brakes that require special attention so as to not damage the brake lines. You can take your Mazda to a brake mechanic or you can do the job yourself and save money.
Park the Mazda on a relatively flat stretch of road and apply the parking brake. Open the hood and remove the master cylinder cap. The master cylinder is located in the back of the engine compartment, to the right of the engine itself. Remove one-half of the brake fluid from the reservoir with a syringe. Lay the cap loosely over the container.
Place tire blocks in front of the front tires to prevent the vehicle from rolling. Loosen the lug nuts on the rear wheels with the 17 mm socket and breaker bar.
Place the jack under the Mazda's frame at the back of the vehicle and lift the rear end off the ground. Place jack stands under the rear axles and lower the car onto the stands. Move the jack out of your way. Remove the lug nuts and take the back wheels off.
Remove the caliper slide bolts with the 14 mm wrench. Each brake caliper (one per side) has two slide bolts located on the back side of each respective caliper. Lift the caliper from the brake caliper bracket and suspend it above the brake assembly with a bungee cord.
Remove the brake pads from the caliper bracket. Remove the two caliper bracket bolts with a 15 mm wrench. Lift the bracket from the rotor and set it aside.
Remove the rotor retaining screws from the face of the disc with a number 3 Phillips screwdriver. Grab the rotor on both sides and pull it straight from the Mazda's rear wheel hub. Use chain lubricant for stubborn rotors and/or tap the center section of the disc (also called the top-hat section) with a dead-blow hammer to jar it loose from the wheel bolts.
Apply brake parts cleaner to the new rotors and clean them thoroughly with a cloth towel. The discs are packaged with preserving oil that should be removed before installation. Slide the new rotors onto the wheel bolts. Replace the rotor retaining screws.
Replace the caliper bracket and insert the new brake pads into the bracket's slots. Place the caliper piston depression tool over the rear brake caliper and screw the piston into the side of the caliper to make room for the thicker rotor and brake pads.
Place the caliper over the new brake pads inside the caliper bracket slots. Screw in the caliper bolts with the 14 mm wrench.
Place the rear wheel back onto the wheel bolts and screw on the lug nuts by hand. Replace the rotor and brake pads on the opposite side of the Protege5.
Lift the back end of the Mazda and remove the jack stands. Lower the rear tires to the ground and tighten the lug nuts with the 17 mm socket and breaker bar.
Remove the master cylinder cap and place a funnel into the reservoir. Fill the container with brake fluid. Remove the funnel and replace the cap. Close the Mazda's hood.
