The rotor is the metal disc that provides the plaform for the brake pads to stop the Mazda 3.
The brake rotors on the 2005 Mazda 3 are tasked with providing a solid, smooth and consistent platform for the brake pads to grip during braking. Rotors that are warped will not allow the brake pads to make even contact, which will lead to poor braking performance and possible dangerous results. Rotors that are scored can also lead to degraded braking performance as well as the accelerated wearing of the brake pads. Inspect the rotors regularly (every time you change the brake pads, or every 5,000 miles) and replace damaged rotors when they are discovered.
Instructions
1. Loosen the lug nuts on the wheels containing the rotors you intend to replace. Use the lug wrench from the Mazda wheel maintenance kit or a 17mm socket and breaker bar.
2. Place the lifting jack beneath the frame of the Mazda. For the front wheels, place the jack under one side of the vehicle first. Lift the vehicle, place a jack stand under the frame and lower the Mazda onto the stand before lifting the opposite side. For the rear wheels, use the frame near the rear bumper to lift both rear wheels simultaneously.
3. Remove the lug nuts and take the Mazda's wheels from the wheel bolts.
4. Remove the caliper and caliper bridge bolts from the brake assembly. Use a 13mm wrench for the caliper slide bolts and a 15mm socket and ratchet for the caliper bridge bolts.
5. Lift the caliper from the rotor and rest it on the steering arm above the brake hub. Remove the caliper bridge from its normal position around the rotor and set it on the ground away from the brake.
6. Spray chain lubricant on the back of the rotors at the point that they rest against the steering knuckle. By the time you return from spraying the area behind the second rotor, the first rotor will be ready for removal.
7. Grab the rotor at each side and pull it straight from the wheel well. The rotor will slide from the wheel bolts and off of the hub.
8. Clean the new rotor thoroughly with brake parts cleaner. Dry the disc with a cloth towel before installing it.
9. Place the new rotor onto the wheel bolts with the center section called the top hat section facing outward. The top hat is the section of the rotor that is raised from the plane of the larger area of the disc.
10. Place the caliper bridge onto the rotor and replace the bridge bolts with the 15mm socket and ratchet. Return the caliper to the bridge and screw in the caliper slide bolts with the 13mm wrench.
11. Replace the wheels onto the wheel bolts and screw on the five lug nuts for each wheel.
12. Lift the Mazda with the jack and remove the jack stands. Lower the tires to the ground and tighten the lugs with the 17mm socket and breaker bar or the lug wrench from the wheel maintenance kit.
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