Hi. How hard is it to change front and rear disc rotors and pads on a 04 rx8? I’ve already seen the write up.

thanks

chad

 

No different than most other vehicles.

The rear calipers can be a bit of a PIA to retract but other than that...

The other issue can be removing the retainer screws for the rotors if they are rusted stuck.

Your options are an impact screwdriver that usually works... or a drill if it doesn't

 

Just have to be careful not to tear the dust boots.. other than that.. easy. Service manuals are on the forum if you don't have it already. Gives you step by step directions on how to do the work.

 

If you have to ask, having read the DIY, then you might want to bring it somewhere. It's not hard for someone who has done brakes before and has the right tools, it's hard for someone who doesn't have those things.

 

Thanks. Do I have to bleed brakes and change brake fluid too?

 

Honest answer.. you should...

But basically if you are going to do your own brake service its a good habit to carefully syringe the fluid out of the Master cylinder and refill it... abd then bleed about 1 litre of fluid out when you do the brakes.

The fluid will absorb water it will make the calipers corrode and the fluid will boil a lot earlier so it is well worth the few extra minutes for long term reliability.

Be careful with the bleeder screws though...use a proper flare nut wrench or a 6 point socket to loosen them so they don't strip... and don't man handle them or they will break off and you will need a new caliper

 

And grease the slider pins.
​​​​​​If the fluid is old or unknown age, you may as well change it. It's brakes, after all. If you bring it somewhere, they should be able to vacuum bleed the whole system. But you can totally do it in your driveway if you have a second person who can push the brake pedal while you open the bleeder.

 

I’m open to suggestions on this one. If I have to bleed brakes I will take it to a mechanic. If not I can do myself. My brake pedal is not soft, pretty stiff actually.

thanks.

chad

 

Does anyone know what screw on the car will fit the pop screw hole on the rotor? I am trying to get the rotor off and I need to know what screw will help.

thanks

 

M8-1.25 mm

 

 

Yes you should have the brake fluid cap off when pushing in the piston. Did you remove some fluid from the reservoir before pushing the piston in? Don't let the brake system go dry, pump the brake 3-4 times and add fluid. If it's a left hand drive car you'll want to start at the passenger rear, then driver rear, move to front passenger, and finish driver front.

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Thanks, so the passenger rear caliper piston has to be pushed and turned right to depress. Is it the same thing with the drivers rear caliper piston? It won’t budge

 

Yes both rears are the turn-in type. There are fairly cheap ratchet adapters for this.

 

Just go youtube Chris Fix for brake service. Take your time, enjoy the process.

 

Thanks everyone. Got all four rotors and pads done. Running great.