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Miata Brake pads + fluid

Your Miata

Pick your year to see what fits.

There was no 1998 Miata in the US. The NB model started as a 1999.

Firmer pedal
Medium$150–$2502–3 hrs
All Miata mods

Why do it

Performance street pads bite harder and fade less, and fresh high-temperature fluid keeps the pedal firm.

Heads up

Brakes are safety-critical. If it's your first time, have someone experienced check your work.

Tools you'll need

Starting out? See our budget tool list.

Parts to buy

Double-check fitment before buying. We may earn a commission when you buy through these links, at no extra cost to you.

Before you start

  • Brakes are safety-critical. If it's your first time, have someone experienced check your work.
  • Brakes are safety-critical. If it's your first time, have someone experienced check your work.
  • Brakes are safety-critical. If it's your first time, have someone experienced check your work.

Steps

  1. Remove the caliper

    • Remove the wheel, the caliper and its bracket.
    Watch this step (Christian Meyer, on a 94–05 Miata) (0:30–3:27) Watch the bracket (3:27–4:15)

  2. Fit the new pads

    • Clean everything with brake cleaner, compress the piston, fit the pads and refit the caliper.
    Watch this step (4:15–4:31) Watch the install (4:31–8:31)

  3. Bleed the brakes

    • Flush with fresh fluid, starting at the wheel farthest from the master cylinder. Keep the reservoir topped up.
    Watch this step (Livin' Sharp, on an NA) (2:30–6:30)

  4. Remove the caliper

    • Remove the wheel, then the caliper.
    Watch this step (River's Education, on an NC) (2:51–5:08) Watch the caliper (5:08–7:24)

  5. Fit the new pads

    • Fit the new pads, compress the piston and refit the caliper.
    Watch this step (8:59–10:09) Watch the piston and caliper (10:09–11:57)

  6. Bleed the brakes

    • Flush with fresh fluid, starting at the wheel farthest from the master cylinder. Keep the reservoir topped up.
    Watch this step (Livin' Sharp, on an NA) (2:30–6:30)

  7. Remove the front pads

    • Raise the car, remove the wheel and take out the old front pads.
    Watch this step (TheMazCorner, on an ND) (4:34–7:14)

  8. Fit the front pads

    • Compress the piston, fit the new pads and refit the caliper.
    Watch this step (10:01–13:22)

  9. Remove the rear caliper

    • Take off the rear wheel and caliper.
    Watch this step (13:22–15:21)

  10. Swap the rear pads

    • Remove the old pads, fit the new ones and refit the caliper.
    Watch this step (15:21–15:53) Watch the new pads (19:47–21:01) Watch the caliper (21:01–23:21)

  11. Bleed the brakes

    • Flush with fresh fluid, starting at the wheel farthest from the master cylinder. Keep the reservoir topped up.
    Watch this step (Livin' Sharp, on an NA) (2:30–6:30)

How to know it worked

Did this guide work for you?

Safety first

  • Park on flat ground, set the parking brake and chock the wheels.
  • Never get under a car held up only by a jack. Use jack stands.
  • Let the engine and exhaust cool first.
  • Disconnect the battery before unplugging electrical parts.
  • Wear safety glasses.
  • If something doesn't match your car, stop and ask a shop.

Follow your part's instructions and your service manual's torque specs.