Front brake pads provide cars with 70 percent of their stopping power. Given their constant use, front brake pads wear out quickly. Brake rotors, or discs, work along with brake pads and, though much sturdier, wear down as well. Luckily, rotors can be easily removed and replaced with an assortment of common tools and a few specialty items. The 2004 Mazda 3 is no exception.
Basic Tools
To replace the front rotors on a 2004 Mazda 3, you will need a jack to lift the car. You may also need a hammer or mallet for tapping the hub of the old rotor in order to loosen it for easy removal. A C-clamp, which is a portable vise shaped like the letter C, is required to depress the brake caliper piston, which must be in a retracted position for a brake rotor to be installed. A brake pad spreader can be used in place of a C-clamp. A flat head screwdriver is also useful as a prying tool and can be used to pop off the spring clamp
Torque Tools
A number of torque tools are required to replace the front rotors on a 2004 Mazda 3. A six-part, 17 mm socket wrench set, with a 7mm hex wrench and breaker bar, are needed for removing the many bolts and screws associated with rotor replacement. A standard or powered drill with 10 to 100 foot-pounds of torque is needed for the front caliper pins, caliper brackets and wheel lug nuts.
Specialty Tools
Replacing the front brake rotors of a 2004 Mazda 3 is made easier with a caliper lubricant or white grease. These will help when it comes time to lift the caliper and remove the caliper mount while helping preserve both of these elements by reducing abrasion and erosion. Brake cleaner will help remove dirt and grit, keeping the replacement rotor more firmly attached. Loctite adhesive also comes in handy to secure all bolts firmly once the rotor has been replaced.
Related Posts:
Replace The Front Brakes And Rotors On A 1990 Mazda
Mazda vehicles from model year 1990 came equipped with disc brakes for the front wheels and drum brakes for the rear wheels. The front brakes require the regular maintenance of the brake pads and...
Replace Rotors On A Mazda B2500
You probably already own the right tools for replacing the brake rotors on the Mazda B2500.The rotors are the heart of the front disc brakes of the Mazda B2500. If the rotors are bad, they will no...
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 ro...
