RIDEX Front Left Brake Caliper – MX-5 Mk1 NA 1.8 / Mk2 NB Standard Brakes • 78B0743

RIDEX Front Left Brake Caliper – 78B0743

Brand-new replacement front left 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) equipped with the standard 255mm front braking system.

RIDEX 78B0743 is a single-piston floating brake caliper designed for the front left-hand side of the vehicle, corresponding to the UK passenger-side front wheel.

The brake caliper is an essential part of the vehicle's hydraulic braking system. When the brake pedal is pressed, hydraulic pressure moves the caliper piston, applying the brake pads against the rotating disc to generate friction and slow the vehicle.

Front brake calipers operate under demanding conditions, experiencing high temperatures, repeated braking forces, road contamination and exposure to moisture and road salt.

Over time, original brake calipers can deteriorate through corrosion, worn piston seals, damaged dust boots or restricted movement within the sliding mechanism.

A sticking or seized brake caliper can prevent the brake pads from moving freely, potentially causing brake drag, uneven pad wear, excessive heat and premature brake disc deterioration.

Damaged hydraulic seals can also result in brake fluid leakage and reduced braking performance, making replacement necessary to restore reliable braking operation.

RIDEX 78B0743 is manufactured from cast iron and incorporates a 51mm hydraulic piston within a floating caliper design.

The floating design allows the caliper to apply braking force through both brake pads, providing the clamping action required for the corresponding ventilated front brake disc.

The caliper is designed for the standard front braking system using 255mm diameter ventilated brake discs with a nominal thickness of 20mm.

Its 114mm mounting-bore spacing corresponds to the original front brake caliper arrangement on compatible Mazda MX-5 models.

Unlike a remanufactured or reconditioned brake caliper, RIDEX 78B0743 is supplied as a brand-new replacement component, making it suitable for braking system repairs and refurbishment.

This caliper is suitable for Mazda MX-5 Mk1 / NA 1.8 and Mk2 / NB 1.6 and 1.8 petrol models using the standard 255mm front braking system, including compatible Mk2.5 / NB-FL vehicles.

Key Features & Benefits

• Brand-new replacement front left brake caliper
• Suitable for Mazda MX-5 Mk1 / NA 1.8 and Mk2 / NB 1.6 / 1.8 models
• Designed for standard 255mm front brakes
• Front left-hand installation – UK passenger side
• SUMITOMO-type braking system
• Single-piston floating caliper design
• 51mm brake caliper piston diameter
• Durable cast-iron construction
• Suitable 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 brake calipers
• Brand-new construction – not remanufactured or reconditioned

Product Specifications

• Product type: Front brake caliper
• Fitting position: Front axle, left-hand side
• UK vehicle position: Front passenger 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
• Vehicle compatibility: Mazda MX-5 NA 1.8 and NB / NB-FL 1.6 / 1.8 with standard front brakes
• Quantity supplied: 1 front left brake caliper
• Condition: Brand new
• Manufacturer: RIDEX
• Manufacturer Part Number: 78B0743
• EAN: 4059191498291

Fitment Advice: Suitable for the front left-hand side of Mazda MX-5 Mk1 / NA 1.8 and Mk2 / NB / Mk2.5 / NB-FL 1.6 and 1.8 models fitted with the standard 255mm ventilated front brake discs. Early Mk1 1.6 vehicles with the smaller front brakes and Mk2.5 Sport variants equipped with the larger brake package require different calipers.

Important: This product is for the front left-hand side only. The matching RIDEX front right-hand brake caliper is part number 78B0744.

Signs of a Failing Brake Caliper: A sticking or seized brake piston, uneven brake pad wear, excessive brake temperatures, fluid leakage, abnormal braking noise, a pulling sensation during braking or a front wheel that does not rotate freely when the brakes are released.

Other Items to Consider: Front brake discs, front brake pads, brake caliper slider pins, caliper mounting hardware, brake hoses, brake fluid and suitable brake cleaning products.

Useful Tools / Consumables: Vehicle lifting equipment, axle stands, socket and spanner set, brake hose tools, calibrated torque wrench, brake bleeding equipment, brake fluid collection container and suitable brake cleaner.

Difficulty Guide: Moderate to Advanced. Replacement involves disconnecting the hydraulic brake system, fitting the replacement caliper, reassembling the front braking components and bleeding the brakes. Professional installation is recommended.

Why RIDEX? RIDEX supplies aftermarket braking components designed for the replacement of worn or damaged original vehicle parts. The 78B0743 front left brake caliper provides a brand-new replacement solution for compatible Mazda MX-5 standard front braking systems.

What's in the Box: 1x RIDEX 78B0743 Front Left Brake Caliper.

Installation / Service Notes: Follow the applicable Mazda front brake caliper replacement procedure. Safely raise and support the vehicle before removing the front left wheel. Inspect the brake pads, brake disc, flexible brake hose, caliper mounting components and surrounding braking system for wear or damage. Disconnect the hydraulic brake hose using suitable tools and collect escaping brake fluid. Remove the original brake caliper, carefully inspecting the reusable mounting components and associated hardware. Fit the new RIDEX caliper using the corresponding mounting arrangement and tighten all fasteners to the specified Mazda torque settings. Reconnect the brake hose using the correct sealing hardware and ensure it is routed without twisting or interference. Refit compatible brake pads and confirm that all sliding and retaining components are correctly positioned. Fill and bleed the hydraulic braking system with brake fluid meeting Mazda's requirements. Inspect all hydraulic connections for leaks and ensure the caliper operates and releases 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 braking system inspection.