RIDEX Front Right Brake Caliper – 78B0744
Brand-new replacement front right brake caliper for Mazda MX-5 Mk1 / NA 1.8 and Mk2 / NB / Mk2.5 / NB-FL 1.6 and 1.8 petrol models (1994–2005) fitted with the standard 255mm front braking system.
RIDEX 78B0744 is a single-piston floating brake caliper designed for the front right-hand side of the vehicle, corresponding to the driver's-side front wheel on UK right-hand-drive Mazda MX-5 models.
The brake caliper is a critical part of the vehicle's hydraulic braking system. When the brake pedal is pressed, hydraulic pressure moves the caliper piston, bringing the brake pads into contact with the rotating brake disc to generate the friction required to slow the vehicle.
The front braking system performs a substantial proportion of the vehicle's braking work, with the calipers experiencing repeated hydraulic loading, high temperatures and exposure to road dirt, moisture and salt.
Over time, brake calipers can deteriorate through corrosion, worn seals, damaged piston dust covers or restricted movement of the sliding mechanism.
A seized or sticking caliper can cause brake drag, uneven pad wear, excessive heat and accelerated brake disc deterioration. Damaged piston seals or other hydraulic components may also result in brake fluid leakage.
RIDEX 78B0744 provides a brand-new replacement for the corresponding standard Mazda front brake caliper, incorporating a 51mm hydraulic piston within a cast-iron floating caliper housing.
The caliper is designed for the SUMITOMO-type front braking system using 255mm diameter ventilated brake discs with a nominal thickness of 20mm.
Its 114mm mounting-bore spacing corresponds to the relevant Mazda front caliper installation arrangement.
The floating caliper design allows the piston and caliper body to apply braking pressure through both pads, supporting effective contact with the brake disc during braking.
This caliper is supplied without the mounting carrier and is designed for installation with the compatible original carrier and associated braking components.
Unlike a reconditioned or remanufactured caliper, RIDEX 78B0744 is supplied brand new, providing a fresh replacement component for repairing or refurbishing an ageing braking system.
The product is suitable for Mazda MX-5 Mk1 / NA 1.8 and Mk2 / NB 1.6 and 1.8 models fitted with the corresponding standard front brakes, including compatible Mk2.5 / NB-FL vehicles without the larger Sport brake package.
Key Features & Benefits
- Brand-new replacement front right brake caliper
- Suitable for Mazda MX-5 Mk1 / NA 1.8 and Mk2 / NB 1.6 / 1.8 models with standard brakes
- Front right-hand installation – UK driver's side
- SUMITOMO-type front brake system
- Single-piston floating caliper design
- 51mm hydraulic piston diameter
- Durable cast-iron construction
- Designed for 255mm ventilated front brake discs
- Compatible with 20mm nominal brake disc thickness
- 114mm mounting-bore spacing
- Suitable for replacing seized, leaking or damaged original calipers
- Brand-new construction – not remanufactured or reconditioned
Product Specifications
- Product type: Front brake caliper
- Fitting position: Front axle, right-hand side
- UK vehicle position: Front driver's side
- Brake system: SUMITOMO
- Caliper design: Single-piston floating caliper
- Piston diameter: 51mm
- Material: Cast iron
- Compatible brake disc diameter: 255mm
- Compatible brake disc thickness: 20mm
- Mounting-bore spacing: 114mm
- Mounting carrier: Not included
- Vehicle compatibility: Mazda MX-5 NA 1.8 and NB / NB-FL 1.6 / 1.8 with standard front brakes
- Quantity supplied: 1 front right brake caliper
- Condition: Brand new
- Brand: RIDEX
- Manufacturer Part Number: 78B0744
- EAN: 4059191498314
Fitment Advice: Suitable for the front right-hand side of Mazda MX-5 Mk1 / NA 1.8 and Mk2 / NB / NB-FL 1.6 and 1.8 models using the standard 255mm ventilated front braking system. Earlier Mk1 1.6 vehicles with smaller front brakes and Mk2.5 Sport variants with the larger brake package use different calipers.
Important: This product is a front right-hand brake caliper supplied without its mounting carrier. The corresponding front left-hand RIDEX caliper is part number 78B0743.
Signs of a Failing Brake Caliper: Brake drag, uneven brake pad wear, a sticking or seized caliper piston, brake fluid leakage, excessive heat from one wheel, unusual braking noise, reduced braking performance or the vehicle pulling to one side under braking.
Other Items to Consider: Front brake discs, front brake pads, brake caliper mounting carriers and slider components, brake hoses, brake fluid, brake pad fitting hardware and associated brake mounting fasteners.
Useful Tools / Consumables: Suitable vehicle lifting equipment, axle stands, socket and spanner set, brake hose tools, calibrated torque wrench, brake fluid collection equipment, brake bleeding equipment and suitable brake cleaning products.
Difficulty Guide: Moderate to Advanced. Installation involves disconnecting the hydraulic brake system, replacing the caliper, reconnecting the brake hose and bleeding the brakes. Professional installation is recommended.
Why RIDEX? RIDEX supplies aftermarket braking and vehicle maintenance components designed for replacing worn or damaged original parts. The 78B0744 provides a brand-new replacement front right brake caliper for compatible Mazda MX-5 standard braking systems.
What's in the Box: 1x RIDEX 78B0744 Front Right Brake Caliper. Supplied without the mounting carrier.
Installation / Service Notes: Follow the applicable Mazda front brake caliper replacement procedure. Safely raise and support the vehicle before removing the front right wheel. Inspect the existing caliper, brake pads, brake disc, flexible brake hose, mounting carrier and related components for wear or damage. Disconnect the hydraulic brake hose using suitable tools and collect any escaping brake fluid. Remove the original caliper and inspect the compatible mounting carrier and associated hardware. Clean the mounting areas and install the replacement RIDEX caliper using the corresponding mounting components. Tighten all fasteners to the specified Mazda torque settings. Reconnect the brake hose using the correct sealing arrangement, ensuring that the hose is neither twisted nor under tension. Refit compatible brake pads and ensure the caliper sliding and retaining components are correctly located. Fill and bleed the hydraulic brake system using brake fluid meeting Mazda's specified requirements. Inspect the hydraulic connections for leaks and confirm that the brake piston and caliper operate and release correctly. Restore normal brake pedal travel before moving the vehicle. Refit the wheel, tighten the wheel nuts to the specified torque and carry out a controlled road test followed by a final inspection of the braking system.
| Make | Model | Sub Variant | Chassis | Years | Engine | Fuel | Transmission | Fitment Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mazda | MX-5 Mk1 / NA | 1.8 | NA8C | 1994–1998 | 1.8 BP | Petrol | Manual / automatic where fitted | Front right; standard 255mm ventilated braking system |
| Mazda | MX-5 Mk2 / NB | 1.6 | NB6C | 1998–2002 | 1.6 B6 | Petrol | Manual | Front right; standard 255mm brakes |
| Mazda | MX-5 Mk2 / NB | 1.8 | NB8C | 1998–2002 | 1.8 BP | Petrol | Manual / automatic where fitted | Front right; standard 255mm brakes |
| Mazda | MX-5 Mk2.5 / NB-FL | 1.6 | NB6C | 2002–2005 | 1.6 B6 | Petrol | Manual | Front right; standard 255mm braking system |
| Mazda | MX-5 Mk2.5 / NB-FL | 1.8 VVT | NB8C | 2002–2005 | 1.8 BP VVT | Petrol | Manual / automatic where fitted | Front right; standard 255mm brakes only, excluding larger Sport braking systems |
Fitting Position: Front right-hand side (UK driver's side).
Brake System: SUMITOMO-type single-piston floating caliper with 51mm piston.
Brake Disc Compatibility: 255mm diameter, 20mm nominal thickness, ventilated front brake discs.
Quantity Supplied: One brand-new front right brake caliper, without mounting carrier.
Fitment Advice: Suitable for the standard 255mm front braking system fitted to compatible Mazda MX-5 Mk1 / NA 1.8 and Mk2 / NB / NB-FL 1.6 and 1.8 models. Not suitable for vehicles fitted with the smaller early Mk1 1.6 front brakes or the larger Mk2.5 Sport brake package.
| Manufacturer | Part Number | Reference Type / Description |
|---|---|---|
| RIDEX | 78B0744 | Front right brake caliper |
| Genuine Mazda | NA75-33-61X | Original equipment front right brake caliper reference |
| Genuine Mazda | NAZ5-33-98Z | Original equipment front right brake caliper reference |
| Genuine Mazda | NAZ5-33-98ZA | Original equipment front right brake caliper reference |
| RIDEX | 78B0743 | Corresponding front left brake caliper, sold separately |
| RIDEX | 78B2016 | Front axle brake caliper set containing left and right calipers |
| RIDEX REMAN | 78B0744R | Remanufactured front right brake caliper alternative |
Reference Information: The Mazda original equipment references correspond to the front right standard brake caliper application. RIDEX 78B0743 is the matching left-hand component, while 78B2016 contains both front calipers. The remanufactured 78B0744R is a separate product.