Miata Mailing List: September 1994, Message #37
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   From: a.mccombs3@genie.geis.com
Subject: RE:  Brake problem solved
   Date: Fri, 2 Sep 1994 05:46:54 -0400

Just got Kansei back from the shop this eve.  To refresh memories:  Had all
the brake pads replaced with Mintex firmer pads.  After replacement, the
parking brake would not engage the rear brake pads against the rotors.  Much
fussing around with it by the mechanic, to no avail.  I thought of a couple
things, like screwing the pistons back in to push the new pads out against
the rotor (the reverse operation from removing the old pads).  He tried
that; no luck.  Fortunately, he found some used calipers out of a wrecked
'93 with only 7,000 miles on it, installed those (with my Mintex pads) and
everything worked fine.
 
Looks to me like the problem was in the adjusters, inside the pistons.  They
apparently jam or freeze up after a long while, and there doesn't seem to be
much that can be done to fix it, according to the manual.  Either you get
lucky and find some used calipers in good shape ($100 each), or buy rebuilt
calipers (at over $300 each).  I wanted to keep the old calipers as cores,
just in case in the future, and also to take one apart to see how this
adjuster thing works (or doesn't).  However, I saved $10 by turning them in
as cores for the used ones (from a wrecking yard, yet!).  My mild curiosity
wasn't worth $10.
 
Everything works fine now, but it seems that sticking adjusters in the rear
calipers is something which can occur after 5 years and 80,000+ miles.
Needed those new brakes, too, on the way home.  I don't like to get on new
pads hard until they're broken in, but sometimes you don't have much choice.
I'm amazed that dog got to be full grown, running out into traffic like that.
 
                                --Jack M. & Kansei (with new shoes)--