RIDEX Front Left Brake Caliper – 78B1033
Brand-new replacement front left brake caliper for Mazda MX-5 Mk3 / NC, Mk3.5 / NC-FL and Mk3.75 / NC-FL2 1.8 and 2.0 MZR petrol models (2005–2015) equipped with the corresponding original front braking system.
RIDEX 78B1033 is a single-piston floating brake caliper designed for the front left-hand side of the vehicle, corresponding to the passenger-side front wheel on UK right-hand-drive Mazda MX-5 models.
The front brake caliper is an essential component 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 brakes carry a substantial proportion of the vehicle's braking load, particularly during heavier braking when weight transfers towards the front axle. The caliper must operate consistently through repeated temperature changes, hydraulic loading and exposure to road conditions.
Over time, original brake calipers can deteriorate due to moisture, corrosion, damaged piston seals, worn dust boots or restricted movement of the sliding mechanism.
A sticking or seized caliper can prevent the brake pads from releasing properly, leading to brake drag, excessive heat, uneven pad wear and premature brake disc deterioration.
Damage to the piston seals or hydraulic connections may also lead to brake fluid leakage and reduced braking effectiveness.
RIDEX 78B1033 provides a brand-new replacement caliper manufactured from cast iron and incorporating a 54mm hydraulic piston.
The single-piston floating design allows the caliper to apply braking pressure through both pads against the brake disc, providing the clamping force required for effective braking.
The caliper features 127mm mounting-bore spacing and is designed for the corresponding Mazda MX-5 NC front brake mounting arrangement.
It is suitable for the original front braking system using 289mm diameter ventilated brake discs with a nominal thickness of 22mm.
Replacing a worn, seized or leaking brake caliper helps restore correct brake application and release, supporting consistent braking performance and even pad wear.
Unlike a remanufactured or reconditioned brake caliper, this RIDEX component is supplied brand new, providing a fresh replacement for front braking system servicing, repairs and refurbishment.
The caliper is supplied without the separate mounting carrier and is designed for installation with the compatible original carrier and associated brake components.
Key Features & Benefits
- Brand-new replacement front left brake caliper
- Suitable for Mazda MX-5 Mk3 / NC 1.8 and 2.0 petrol models
- Compatible with NC1, NC2 and NC3 models
- Front left-hand installation – UK passenger side
- Single-piston floating brake caliper design
- 54mm hydraulic piston diameter
- Durable cast-iron construction
- 127mm mounting-bore spacing
- Designed for the corresponding original front braking system
- Compatible with 289mm ventilated front brake discs
- Supplied brand new rather than remanufactured
- Replacement for Mazda OE reference NFZ7-33-99Z
Product Specifications
- Product type: Front brake caliper
- Fitting position: Front axle, left-hand side
- UK vehicle position: Front passenger side
- Caliper design: Single-piston floating caliper
- Piston diameter: 54mm
- Material: Cast iron
- Mounting-bore spacing: 127mm
- Compatible brake disc diameter: 289mm
- Compatible brake disc thickness: 22mm
- Mounting carrier: Not included
- Vehicle compatibility: Mazda MX-5 Mk3 / NC, Mk3.5 / NC-FL and Mk3.75 / NC-FL2
- Engine compatibility: 1.8 and 2.0 MZR petrol
- Quantity supplied: 1 front left brake caliper
- Condition: Brand new
- Brand: RIDEX
- Manufacturer Part Number: 78B1033
- EAN: 4059191910182
- Genuine Mazda OE Reference: NFZ7-33-99Z
Fitment Advice: Suitable for the front left-hand side of Mazda MX-5 Mk3 / NC 1.8 and 2.0 petrol models fitted with the corresponding original floating front brake caliper and 289mm ventilated front brake discs. Vehicles equipped with aftermarket big-brake conversions require components matched to the upgraded braking system.
Important: This brake caliper is supplied individually for the front left-hand side without the mounting carrier. The matching RIDEX front right-hand brake caliper is part number 78B1239.
Signs of a Failing Brake Caliper: Brake drag, uneven brake pad wear, a seized or sticking caliper piston, excessive heat from one front wheel, brake fluid leakage, unwanted braking noise or the vehicle pulling to one side under braking.
Other Items to Consider: Front brake discs, front brake pads, brake caliper carriers, slider pins, caliper mounting hardware, flexible brake hoses, brake fluid and suitable brake cleaning products.
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 tools and suitable brake cleaner.
Difficulty Guide: Moderate to Advanced. Replacing a brake caliper involves disconnecting the hydraulic brake circuit, fitting the new component and bleeding the braking system. Professional installation is recommended.
Why RIDEX? RIDEX offers a range of aftermarket braking and vehicle maintenance components designed for the replacement of worn or damaged original equipment. The 78B1033 provides a brand-new front left brake caliper for compatible Mazda MX-5 NC applications.
What's in the Box: 1x RIDEX 78B1033 Front Left Brake Caliper, supplied without the separate mounting carrier.
Installation / Service Notes: Follow the relevant Mazda front brake caliper replacement procedure. Safely raise and support the vehicle before removing the front left wheel. Inspect the existing brake caliper, disc, pads, hydraulic hose and associated mounting components for damage or excessive wear. Disconnect the brake hose using suitable tools and collect any escaping brake fluid. Remove the existing caliper and inspect the compatible mounting carrier, sliding components and associated hardware. Clean the mounting surfaces and fit the new RIDEX brake caliper using the correct mounting components and manufacturer-specified tightening torques. Reconnect the hydraulic brake hose using the appropriate sealing arrangement, ensuring that it is not twisted or under tension. Install compatible brake pads and ensure the caliper can slide and operate freely. Refill and bleed the braking system using brake fluid meeting Mazda's requirements. Inspect all hydraulic connections for leaks and confirm that the brake applies and releases correctly. Restore normal brake pedal travel before moving the vehicle. Refit the front wheel and tighten the wheel nuts to the specified torque. Complete the repair with a controlled road test and final brake system inspection.
| Make | Model | Sub Variant | Chassis | Years | Engine | Fuel | Transmission | Fitment Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mazda | MX-5 Mk3 / NC | NC1 1.8 | NC18 | 2005–2008 | 1.8 MZR | Petrol | 5-speed manual | Front left; original 289mm ventilated brake system |
| Mazda | MX-5 Mk3 / NC | NC1 2.0 | NCEC | 2005–2008 | 2.0 MZR | Petrol | 5-/6-speed manual; automatic where fitted | Front left; original front brake system |
| Mazda | MX-5 Mk3 / NC | NC1 2.0 Sport | NCEC | 2005–2008 | 2.0 MZR | Petrol | 6-speed manual | Front left; original 289mm ventilated brake system |
| Mazda | MX-5 Mk3.5 / NC-FL | NC2 1.8 | NC18 | 2009–2012 | 1.8 MZR | Petrol | 5-speed manual | Front left; original front brake system |
| Mazda | MX-5 Mk3.5 / NC-FL | NC2 2.0 | NCEC | 2009–2012 | 2.0 MZR | Petrol | 6-speed manual; automatic where fitted | Front left; original front brake system |
| Mazda | MX-5 Mk3.5 / NC-FL | NC2 2.0 Sport | NCEC | 2009–2012 | 2.0 MZR | Petrol | 6-speed manual | Front left; original 289mm ventilated brake system |
| Mazda | MX-5 Mk3.75 / NC-FL2 | NC3 1.8 | NC18 | 2013–2015 | 1.8 MZR | Petrol | 5-speed manual | Front left; original front brake system |
| Mazda | MX-5 Mk3.75 / NC-FL2 | NC3 2.0 | NCEC | 2013–2015 | 2.0 MZR | Petrol | 6-speed manual; automatic where fitted | Front left; original front brake system |
| Mazda | MX-5 Mk3.75 / NC-FL2 | NC3 2.0 Sport | NCEC | 2013–2015 | 2.0 MZR | Petrol | 6-speed manual | Front left; original 289mm ventilated brake system |
Fitting Position: Front left-hand side (UK passenger side).
Caliper Specification: Single-piston floating caliper, 54mm piston diameter and 127mm mounting-bore spacing.
Brake Disc Compatibility: Original 289mm ventilated front brake discs with 22mm nominal thickness.
Quantity Supplied: One brand-new front left brake caliper, without mounting carrier.
Fitment Advice: Suitable for Mazda MX-5 Mk3 / NC 1.8 and 2.0 petrol models using the corresponding original front braking system. Not suitable for aftermarket big-brake conversions with alternative caliper mounting arrangements.
| Manufacturer | Part Number | Reference Type / Description |
|---|---|---|
| RIDEX | 78B1033 | Brand-new front left brake caliper |
| Genuine Mazda | NFZ7-33-99Z | Original equipment front left brake caliper reference |
| A.B.S. | 721451 | Aftermarket front left brake caliper equivalent |
| Blue Print | ADBP450028 | Aftermarket front left brake caliper equivalent |
| FEBI BILSTEIN | 178112 | Aftermarket front left brake caliper equivalent |
| TRW | BCW715 | Aftermarket front left brake caliper equivalent |
| STARK | SKBC-0461032 | Aftermarket front left brake caliper equivalent |
| RIDEX | 78B1239 | Corresponding front right brake caliper, sold separately |
| RIDEX REMAN | 78B1033R | Remanufactured front left brake caliper alternative, sold separately |
Reference Information: Mazda NFZ7-33-99Z identifies the corresponding original equipment front left brake caliper. The aftermarket references identify replacement components for the same brake application. RIDEX 78B1239 is the matching front right-hand caliper.