2010-18 Mazda 5 Front Brake Pad & Rotor Replacement DIY Guide
Reviewed/Verified by:
Learn how to change brake pads and rotors on Mazda 5. These instructions apply to model years 2010 through 2018.
At a Glance
- Vehicle: 2010 to 2018 Mazda 5
- Parts: Front brake pads and rotors
- Torque: Caliper bracket bolts (17mm) 80 ft-lb; caliper bolts 25 ft-lb
- Tools: 10mm and 17mm sockets, Allen wrench, jack and jack stands, breaker bar
- Time: About 1 to 1.5 hours for both sides
- Before driving: Pump the pedal until firm
How to Replace Mazda 5 Front Brake Pad & Rotor
What you will need
Parts
- Mazda5 Front Brake Pads
- Mazda5 Front Rotors
Tools
- Mechanic Tools Metric Set
- 3/8 Ratchet
- 10mm: 18mm sockets
- Screwdriver
- Pliers
- Jack
- Jack Stand
- Allen Wrench
Procedure
- Park the Mazda 5 on a level surface. Engage the parking brake and make sure the shifter is in Park.
- Use the lug nut wrench to loosen the lug nuts on your Mazda. If necessary, use a breaker bar. Do not remove them yet.
- Jack up the car and remove the front tire. Support the vehicle with jack stands. Do not rely on the car jack only.
- Next, you will need to remove the caliper bolts. First, you will need to remove the black plastic cap. Use a flat screwdriver to remove the caps. Inside, you will see two Allen head bolts.
- Remove the caliper retainer by prying it out using a screwdriver.
- Push the piston back into the caliper. Pistons must be pushed back into the caliper to accommodate the new rotor and brake pad.
- Remove the caliper 17mm bracket bolts. A breaker bar will help to get these two bolts loose.
- Once the two bolts are removed, the caliper bracket can also be removed.
- Remove the set screws from the rotor.
- Remove the rotor from the wheel hub.
- Clean any dirt or rust from the wheel hub, then install a new rotor.
- Reinstall the caliper bracket and torque the 17mm bolts to 80 ft-lb.
- Apply brake grease to the back of the brake pads, the guide pins and the shims. Keep grease off the pad friction material and the rotor.
- Reinstall new brake pads. Reinstall the brake caliper bolts and torque to 25 ft-lb.
Make sure that all the bolts are tightened and installed correctly. Any loose bolt can result in brake failure and may lead to accidents.
After the Brake Job
- Reinstall the wheel and torque the lug nuts to spec in a star pattern.
- Before moving the car, pump the brake pedal several times until it feels firm. The pistons need to move back out against the new pads.
- Check the brake fluid level and top up to MAX if needed.
- Bed in the new pads: make several moderate stops from about 35 mph to 5 mph without coming to a full stop, then drive a few minutes to let the brakes cool.
If the brake or ABS warning light comes on after the job, check that the ABS sensor wire was not damaged. A scan tool such as the YOUCANIC UCAN-II Pro reads ABS codes on supported models.
🔧 Find out what is actually wrong before you pay someone to guess
Dealer level diagnostics at home with the YOUCANIC UCAN-II Pro.
- ✔ Covers most makes and models, including many luxury brands. Send us your VIN and we will confirm your car before you order
- ✔ Reads every module, not just the engine, so you find the faults a basic reader says are not there
- ✔ Commands the car: test a fan or pump, bleed ABS, retract an electronic parking brake, register a battery
- ✔ No subscriptions. Free lifetime updates, so the price you pay is the whole price
- ✔ Backed by real mechanics in the USA you can email before and after you buy
Featured in The Wall Street Journal
Check these troubleshooting and repair guides for more help on your Mazda.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Mazda 5 front caliper bracket torque?
The guide lists 80 ft-lb for the 17mm caliper bracket bolts and 25 ft-lb for the caliper bolts.
Do I need to compress the caliper piston?
Yes. Push the piston back into the caliper so it clears the thicker new pads and rotor.
Why is my brake pedal soft after changing pads?
The pistons are still retracted. Pump the pedal several times until it is firm before driving.
Should I replace the rotors with the pads?
If the rotors are scored, warped or below minimum thickness, replace them. This guide replaces both for the best braking and least noise.
Related Guides
- 2007 to 2017 Mazda CX-9 Front Brake Pad & Rotor Replacement
- Front Brake Pads/Rotor Replacement Mazda 3 2013 to 2018
- 2010-18 Mazda 5 Side Door Mirror Replacement Guide
- 2010-18 Mazda 5 Pair Bluetooth Phone
What size allen wrench is needed to remove caliper bolts?