SEIZED CALIPERS

[dobs]

I have had new brake discs and pads fitted 440€ at Fast Fit taney but was left with hand break not working and couldnt be fixed as they dont have the right tool. Mechanic in Advance Automotive today tells me the rear calipers are seized and the car is unroadworthy. . Could this be true, is it possible to fit disks and pads and not reattach the hand break if the calipers are seized..Cost ; new calipers 210€ x 2 + 180€ labour + vat.

[sabik]

I did my own pads lately and found the same problem... problem no problem... the an alan key behind the caliper that have to be opened before they can be reset. It's in the manual... I found after (thanks Frank)... If this doesn't work you have bigger problems!

[Steve]

Howdy Dobs,

As Glen said, there is an allen key adjuster in a hole on the back of the caliper. The hole has a bolt in it that needs to be removed first, then this adjuster is turned (carefully, dont force it or you'll strip the teeth on it) to retract the piston so you can put new pads in. Then its used to adjust the piston forward again so the pads are "just" slightly in contact with the disk. You can pull out the adjuster to see if its still ok by sticking your allen key into it and pulling out and slightly against one side. New adjusters can be bought for v.little from mx5parts.co.uk (see here) also worth changing your slider pin while you are at it (see here).

Take out the covering bolts and spray some wd40 in the holes overnight, then try the adjuster.
If the caliper is siezed give me a shout, I've two rear calipers in the shed which I'd be willing to sell.

Cheers,
Steve

[dobs]

Thanks for the insight, if I could save some money I'd appreciate it Steve the garage will only fit new mazda parts are yours up to this spec ?

[Steve]

well.. they were in good working order when I removed them from the car a few months ago, but they aren't new.

New parts from Mazda are always going to be expensive, but mx5parts.co.uk have new Mazda calipers for 155stlg (180e by today's conversion), see here and spurious calipers for 125stlg.

Hope this helps.
Steve

[dobs]

Thanks again..Ive been talking to Fast Fit they are going to talk to the garage and I expect a deal to be done between them.

[sabik]

I've two rear calipers in the shed which I'd be willing to sell.

these are a mk1 set I think Steve aren't they just having a good look at mine and looks like I'll have to replace my rear cailpers...

If any one has a set of mk2 calipers they are selling let us know.. I'll look mxparts and other places anyway....

[Steve]

No, mk1 calipers are the same as mk2 AFAIK.
The only difference between the 1.6 and 1.8 is the bracket.
Its the mk2.5 Sport calipers onwards that are larger.