Mazda cx9 front brake pad rotor replacement guide

2007-2017 Mazda CX-9 Front Brake Pad & Rotor Replacement

Learn how to replace the front brake pads and rotors on Mazda CX-9, 1st generation crossover SUV. These instructions apply to CX-9 model years: 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017.


What you will need

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A list of tools and parts required to change the brake pads and rotors on your Mazda CX-9 has been provided below.

  • Mazda CX-9 Brake Pads & Rotors
  • 17 and 19mm bolts (front)
  • 14mm (rear)
  • 21mm lug nuts

Procedure

  1. Start by engaging the parking brakes and ensure the gear shifter is in Park. Next, access the brake fluid reservoir. Open the hood and remove the brake fluid reservoir cap. This is necessary and will make it easy later when pressing the caliper piston.

  2. mazda cx9 front brake pad and rotor replacement

    Loosen Lug Nuts. 
    Before raising the car, make sure to break loose the lug nuts. Do not remove them yet; just loosen them a turn or so.

  3. Raise Vehicle. Use a floor jack to raise one of the front wheels. Carefully raise the front of your car with a jack and then support both sides of the car’s front with jack stands.

  4. mazda cx9 front brake pad diy

    Support with Jack Stands.
    Always support the vehicle with jack stands. Do not rely only on a jack. Besides the jack stands and jacks, we recommend you slide the wheels under the car. Remove tire. Remove the lug nut.

  5. Remove the brake fluid cap. Remove the brake fluid container’s cap. The brake reservoir is located at the back right of the engine bay towards the driver’s side.

  6. How to change front brake pads

    Press the caliper piston. If you plan on using a flat screwdriver to press the caliper piston in, this is the time. If you use the C-Clamp or Brake Pad Compression tool, skip this step.

  7. Mazda CX-9 Brake Pads & Rotors

    Remove Caliper Bolts. Locate the two bolts on the back of the front brake caliper. Remove both bolts. Use a 17mm socket and a ratcheting wrench to loosen the lower and upper caliper bolts on the caliper’s back and pull each bolt slightly out. You need to slide them out to allow room to remove the caliper.

  8. mazda cx-9 front brake removal

    Remove Brake Pads. Once you remove the two bolts, you will pull out the caliper and remove the brake pads. Loosen the two rotor retaining bolts using a Phillips screwdriver. These bolts can be difficult to come out.

    mazda cx-9 tools required to change brake pads

  9. Notice the location of the wear sensors. If your vehicle uses wear sensors, notice the sensor’s location and the orientation of the wires. You need to make sure to install the new sensors in the same way.

  10. mazda cx-9 installing brake pads with clips

    Secure the brake caliper.
    Use a wire to secure the brake caliper. Do not let the brake caliper hang, as this can cause damage to the brake hose. Lift the caliper off the brake pads and tie it with a rope to the strut to keep it from falling and void, putting tension on the brake line.

  11. mazda cx-9  front brake diy
    mazda cx-9 front brake caliper replacement

    Remove Brake Pad Bracket. Before removing the rotor, remove the brake pad/caliper bracket. It is held in place with two bolts. Typically these are 17mm bolts. Remove the bolts using a breaker bar.

  12. mazda cx-9 front brake pad change cost
    mazda cx-9 front brake diy

    Removing the old rotor can be tricky. First, remove the screw that holds the rotor secure. Next, you need to remove the rotor. Try wiggling the rotor back and forth. If the rotor does not come loose, you may have to use a hammer to get it off.

    Also, spray penetrating oil and let it sit for 10 minutes before you try to remove the rotor.

  13. It is time to install the new rotor. We recommend cleaning the hub area with a steel wire brush before installing the new rotor. Compare the old and the new rotors to ensure they are the same size and thickness, then carefully fit the new rotor. If you are installing new slotted rotors, ensure they are fitted correctly to spin in the proper direction.

  14. mazda cx-9 front brake pad rotor change

    Install the new rotor. Slide the new rotor in place. Tighten the rotor retaining bolts.

  15. mazda cx-9 front brake pad rotor change

    Next, install the bracket and tighten the two bolts on the back. Remember, the bolts on the back of the brake pad bracket must be tight. If you use a torque wrench, make sure to torque them at 70 ft-lbs.

  16. mazda cx-9 front brake pad rotor change

    Using a dry towel or a rag, you can clean the dirt from the calipers and the pistons with a special spray for cleaning brake parts.

  17. The new brake pads will probably be thicker than the older ones; you will need to use an even surface (e.g., the old brake pad) to press back the caliper pistons to fit the new brake pads inside the brake calipers. A C-clamp can be used to compress the pistons backward. Don’t push the pistons too far until the pistons are in line with the rubber dust boot. Put the new brake pads in place; ensure they are tightly and well-fitted.

  18. After fitting the new brake pads, you might experience light braking noise or squeaking; to eliminate that noise, you can use CRC Disc Brake Quiet for brake pads.

  19. mazda cx-9 front brake pad rotor change

    Install new caliper. Loosen the caliper from the rope carefully and tighten the lower caliper bolt using a 17mm socket and ratcheting wrench. Use brake caliper grease to lubricate the caliper bolts. Install a new caliper and tighten the two bolts.

  20. mazda cx-9 front brake pad rotor change

    Refit the front wheel and spin the lug nuts with your hand. Tighten the lug nuts in a criss-cross pattern. Lower the vehicle until it puts some weight onto the wheel to prevent it from spinning, then complete tightening the lug nuts.

  21. Get into the driver’s seat, start the car up and pump the brake pedal a few times to restore brake pressure.

  22. Check the brake fluid level in the container and ensure it is above the “MIN” (minimum) indicator. If it is low, add the recommended brake fluid. Once the brake fluid level is correct, replace the brake fluid container cap.

We hope you find the 2007-2017 Mazda CX-9 Front Brake Pad & Rotor Replacement guide helpful. Check these troubleshooting and repair guides for more help on your Mazda.

NOTES

  • If your brake pedal used to feel soft, you might need to bleed the brake lines to flush out any air bubbles and/or replace the old brake fluid with new DOT3 brake fluid.

  • Regularly check your car for any brake fluid leak signs and ensure that the brake fluid volume does not decrease significantly.

  • Check that the lug nuts are tightened properly.

Author

  • Rushit Hila • ASE Certified

    Rushit Hila, an ASE-certified engineer (G1 Automotive Maintenance and Repair), brings over two decades of hands-on experience in the automotive world to his writing. With a strong educational background, including a Master of Science in Engineering and a Bachelor of Science in Engineering, he has honed his skills and expertise through years of practical work. As a respected authority in the field, Mr. Hila is dedicated to offering insightful and valuable content that resonates with both vehicle owners and mechanics.

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