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I just recently bought a 2003 Mazda six with 25,000 mile on it. I notice that there's a slight sqeeke when I break and could like to change the pads now before they wear the rotor. I 1st thought about going to the shop but the idea of spending $150.00 per axal is appalling especial when you think about that a set of pads for the front and another for the back only cost a total of $40.00 . I also own a 1997 Mazda 626 and have done the front brakes on it some times. What I required to know is is there any difference between changing the brakes on the old one versus the new one. Are there any special tools I need? Are there any free online resources for fix and maintanance? I tried to find a Chiltons or a Haynes at my local auto store but they do not have one for a Mazda 6. Any help could be largely appreciated. Also I plan on doing the brakes today so that I may take a road trip this weekend. Thanks

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That site, and mazda6club.com have all the info you'll ever need for your car.

No, brake pads technology has not changed. You could most likely follow the same procedures you did on you 1997.

The only special tools are what it takes to take off the calipers. Some use Torques, other allen, I favor just the regular bolts but you will have to take the wheel off to see what has been used.

Yeah, the Mazda six is too new to see anything online too. sorry
Autozone has put out a great set of manuals for all older vehicles that you may get online now.
ie for your 97 Mazda
autozone.com/servlet/UiBroker?ForwardPage=/az/cds/en_us/0900823d/80/14/52/b4/0900823d801452b4.jspautozone.com/servlet/UiBroker?ForwardPage=/az/cds/en_us/0900823d/80/14/52/b4/0900823d801452b4.jsp">autozone.com/servlet/uibroker.

However like I said most brake systems have not changed much and substitute was done in the same fashion.

It is the same procedure for changing the pads on any car. What you're mainly paying for with brake jobs is labor. Yes, the parts are $40, but that means you're being billed $110 for labor, and since the standard labor rates for mechanics are around $60 an hour, that is about two hours work, which is about right.