Miata Mailing List: December 1995, Message #19
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   From: esincla@ih2000.net (Eddie Sinclair)
Subject: RE:  Sticky Brakes
   Date: Fri, 1 Dec 1995 10:17:02 -0500

>At this time the right parking brake does not function - it is jammed solid.
>However, the left one works fine and, hence, I have a parking brake.  No
>wonder I haven't felt particularly inspired to get serious about the
>situation.  However, I hope to study/disassemble the caliper to see what's
>happening soon, since work is finally slowing down a bit.
>Reijo
>

I am not a mechanic. I have not read the book on this.
First off, it would seem to me if the parking brake will not move, then the
regular brake (hydraulic) may not function either. If testing indicates the
regular brake functions, it would _almost_ prove a problem with the cable.
Be sure you understand how to adjust the rear disks and although it is not
impossible to reassemble, unless you are really up to it, I would not
recommend disassembly of the piston assemble if at all avoidable. It seems
like some special tools may be in order here. I'm not sure what they have
changed over the years, but the '90 has a "plug" on the back side of the
cylinder that when removed exposes an adjustment screw. This "plug" looks
like the head of a bolt and is unscrewed with a wrench. The adj screw is
adjusted with an allen wrench. in a normal caliper, this screw is very easy
to turn and if you have to use much force at all, it may indicate a internal
problem. This is how you retract the piston to change the pads. I do know
that the automatic adjuster in the piston is tough to get back in to the
cylinder with common around the house tools, on a '90 MX5. I sure hope this
helps.

Ed.
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