how hard is it to change brake discs and pads on a mazda 323(1994) can any1 do it.?

Answer 1

Many libraries have books with photos that will guide you through the process. You can copy the pages and take them home with you as a reference. If the correct year for your car is not available I suggest you buy either a Haynes or a Chiltons manual at a store that sells brake parts. Read through the process to familiarize your self with the parts and the names of parts.
Be certain to have a safe jack and jack stands to support the car or you could be seriously inured.

If you have a camera, take a photo of what the brakes look like BEFORE you disassemble them. There might be some specials tools you will need. A 3/8 inch ratchet and either the torx or a metric socket to remove the bolts that clamp the retainers to the backing plate. The books from the library might mention the exact size of the bolts. If not, you will have to take a wheel off and look at what is there. If you have a full set of sockets and torx you should already have what you will need.

When you remove the wheel, carefully examine the rotor, (the large shiny disc the pads clamp onto) for grooves or any visible damage such as cracks or gouges. If you see any of that, take the rotors to a shop and have the rotors machined smooth again.

You can compress the caliper with a LARGE C-CLAMP. If they go in reall hard, you might be in trouble. That indicates rust inside the caliper and it might stick tight to the rotor the first time you hit the brakes.

Go slow, follow the instructions from the materials I mentioned and be certain to tighten everything properly. A torque wrench would be a good investment if you plan to do much repair work. Overtightening a bolt can break or strip it. Too loose and something could fall off.

I have been replacing my own brakes for twenty years and nothing has broken or fallen off. You can learn how to do it too.

I wish you luck.

Answer 2

The mere thought that you are considering it, is proof that you can do it. You need the proper tools. You need the replacement parts. Take your car to the accessory shop so they may ensure that they issue you with the proper components. You need a jack and blocks on which the car rests once jacked-up. You need compressed air or a solvent to clean the axle and hubs. Remove the wheels once the car is on blocks. Strip the worn components. Replace with the new components in the reverse order. Adjust the breaks by turning the adjustment screw tighter, until the wheel spins freely by hand. Test the results well before risking it back onto the public roads.

Answer 3

Takes an afternoon, buy the Chilton's or Haynes manual for your car as this will detail out the steps you need to follow.

Do one side at a time, and finish one before you start the other so you have a completed one you can look at in case you need points of reference.

It helps if you have a 2nd car around just in case you need to run back to the store in mid repair, or you run out of time and have to finish it another day.

Answer 4

It's not hard changing pads on any newer car with some basic tools, but you still need to know what you're doing..Get a chiltons manual for the car...It'll tell you how to.

Answer 5

Pretty much, IF you know how to use tools. If you want to do repairs to your own car, buy a Haynes manual for it. Well worth the money, and you'll no doubt need it for other stuff.

Answer 6

Brakes are important part of the car. If you are a novice I suggest you don't touch it. It is better to leave them to the experts. Brakes failure can cost you your life and others too.

Answer 7

About as hard as eating 15 sugar coated doughnuts without licking your lips.

It's hard... But not impossible