NSF seized today on a run out. Got it home, stripped it down and the bottom slider pin was seized solid. After braying it out with a lump hammer and a drift I had a look inside the carrier and the hole it goes into is well shot too so putting a new set of pins in probably isn’t going to cure it. On top of that the piston is slow to release as well so I’m just looking to replace the whole lot, the piston section and hub bracket. Everywhere I’ve seen that sells recon parts only does the piston section. Only place I’ve found that has the complete unit is MX5Parts but its new genuine Mazda so a few pence short of £260. As I’m planning to do both sides it takes it close to £600 by the time a set of pads and brake fluid is included.
First point is that if that is what it costs sometimes that is what you have to pay.
The pins float in the carrier so have you rebuilt it with the pads in and does that cause more movement than the assembly on the other side of the car. It’s not what it looks like, it’s the way it operates.
The other thing you can do is to google search for MX5 secondhand suppliers /scrappies / ebay and phone every one of them to check if they have that part.
Have you stripped and greased the other side including the slider pins.
They will rebuild the callipers probably for a lot less than buying new. Usually pretty quick too. They did all the ones on my NB a few years ago. Really pleased with the work and they were like new when back on the car.
Have just replaced both front calipers on my 08 Sport, similar symptoms, £230 from MX Heaven and bought a set of pins from Bremtech (ebay) Calipers were delivered to my garage with 2 days (non exchange). I had one side that was sticking, wheel rather hot after a run, garage said piston was corroded so as I intend to keep for some time I decided to have both replaced as I had also recently replaced the discs and pads with EBC units. Brakes are now spot on!!
I would also recommend giving Autolink a call. They did me a set of fully reconditioned calipers for my Mk1 - they were like new. I know they have Mk3 models in - I have just taken delivery of two subframes from an import NC. They even do an exchange where you can send them your old calipers - I think it was only a tenner back or something like that though (but again, that was a Mk1).
Hi. Apprentice trained time served mechanic here and its definitely had its day and needs completely replacing. Could try to bodge it but you just end up doing it again and again until you end up replacing it anyway so its far better just to do the job right the first time. I don’t bother with scrappies for suspension, steering and braking components because the part is unknown, has been sat out unused and open to the elements and its not worth the risk on a safety critical component like that. Unless its an unobtanium part its just a false economy.
Not got to the other side yet but will check that before I order.
Piston is definitely sticking, it wasn’t just the pins. Its not releasing fully with the brakes binding a hell of a lot until a couple of minutes have passed and that is without the bolts holding it onto the slider pins in place to eliminate those so its just the clamping pressure of the piston assembly.
I recently had 3 of the 4 calipers in dire need of refurbishment on my Mk2.5 1.8 S-vt. Like you I considered buying replacement calipers but decided against it due to the cost.
I removed all 4 calipers from the car and completely stripped them, I mean every part removed! A friend of mine was kind enough to sand blast & spray paint them before I started the rebuild. I ordered new rubbers, pistons and service kits for each caliper from brakes international, some small parts remained but my brakes are now awesome! litterally as new! £162.12 with postage for all 4 corners!!
My order list including part numbers (4 August 2016)
2x BCF1420 Caliper fitting kit £19.36
2x BCK5477 Caliper service kit £21.00
2x BCP5463 Calpiper Pistons £22.32
2x BCK3527 Caliper service kit £22.48
2x BCP3519 Caliper Pistons £21.90
2x BCF1335 Caliper fitting kit £23.88
Delivery £4.16
Total inc VAT & delivery £162.12
I will admit to buying new disks, pads and braided hose lines at the same time from MX5 parts but i cannot stress enough how much money you will save using this company and rebuilding them from scratch yourself.
Which EBC pads did you fit please? I’m due a set of new front pads, the OE Mazda ones are pretty good, but the amount of brake dust that comes off them is huge. Probably my driving, but seem way more than I have had from other cars. Fancied a change. Thanks.
Asbestos has been outlawed for at least 20 years on road vehicle brakes, but a new generation of brake friction materials now has minimal metallic inclusions as well, which can mean that they generate more brown dust, and also ‘eat’ discs more frequently, particularly if used hard, when they can become quite agressive.
All disc materials are NOT the same, and it is the ‘friction pair’ of disc iron and pad which gives you the correct level of braking.
I can heartily recommend Budweg calipers - I’ve used them twice and they are very good, particularly if you return the ‘cores’ afterwards. Their seals are actually better than the OE ones, in my experience, with a little bit more ‘rollback’ when released to ensure pad clearance.
Also pay attention to the sometmes over-thick paint on the pad abutment feaces - they can stick in the slideways, especially if the stainless steel strips are less than perfect.