How To: Replace MR2 Rear Brake Rotors/Pads

Just some quick notes and pictures on removing the rear brake rotors and pads on a 1991 MR2 Turbo.  Start off by raising the rear of the car, and removing the rear wheels.

Remove the caliper bolt, and the two bolts holding the ‘rotor bracket’ in place.  Rotor bracket:
The caliper can be help up with a string. 
The rear rotor can now be removed.  It’s best to use a 10mm bolt to pull the rotor off (ie it’s not necessary to beat on the rotor with a hammer).  Such a bolt is common on the MR2.  The bolt holes are located in two places on the rotor, but only one is necessary to use.

One of the rotors had some bad scratching from a strangely worn pad.

New rotor installed (so clean!).

The piston now has to be twisted back in to install new pads.  For some reason, on my MR2, this is somewhat difficult.  In the past, I’ve been able to do it with needle nose pliers, but this time it seemed even more tight.  I found a nice tool at the local auto parts store (Fairfax Auto Parts) that made the job much easier.

Using this tool, the piston can be pushed back in.  I found it easiest with the caliper put back on (ie not tied up).  The piston can be seen in the following picture.

I use some molybdenum grease on the shims and slots on the brake pad.

Pads installed.

The brakes can then be bled starting from the furthest caliper from the master cylinder (passenger side rear).  I use a tube, a cup full of fluid, and the ‘wife brake pump’.  With the bleed valve closed, I ask the ‘wife brake pump’ to pump the brake a few times.  Then with her holding some pressure on the pedal, I open the bleed valve.  It’s best not to have the brake pedal go all the way to the floor – so before that happens I close the bleed valve.  I do this about 10-15 times per wheel.

Completed.

This documentation in no way replaces the Toyota MR2 Repair Manuals. The purpose of this content is only to provide supplementary information to fellow MR2 enthusiasts. Midship Runabout and its contributing authors will not be held responsible for any injury or damages that may occur as the result of practicing any of the methods or procedures described within this website. Article and photo submissions are property of the contributing author.


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1 Response

  1. robert sheriston says:

    how do you remove the reae caplier on the n/s