Honda Accord Rear Brake Pads: DIY Guide

by Alex Braham 40 views

Hey guys! Ever feel that little shudder when you hit the brakes? Or maybe you're hearing a squealing sound that just won't quit? Chances are, your Honda Accord's rear brake pads need some attention. Don't sweat it, because changing those pads is totally doable for a DIYer. This guide will walk you through the entire process, making it easy peasy. So, grab your tools, and let's get those brakes sorted!

Why Change Your Honda Accord Rear Brake Pads?

So, why should you even bother with changing your Honda Accord's rear brake pads? Well, first off, it's a safety thing. Brake pads wear down over time due to friction, which is how your car stops. The pads clamp down on the brake rotors to slow your wheels. As the pads wear, they become less effective, which means your stopping distance increases. Yikes! That's not a situation you want to be in. Secondly, ignoring worn brake pads can lead to more expensive repairs down the road. You could damage your rotors, which are much pricier to replace than just the pads. Lastly, if you are hearing a grinding noise it means you are metal on metal, so change those brake pads ASAP!

  • Safety First: Worn brake pads reduce stopping power, increasing the risk of accidents. Maintaining your car is important for everyone's safety.
  • Prevent Expensive Repairs: Replacing pads early prevents damage to rotors and other brake components.
  • Performance: Improve the overall performance of your vehicle.

Basically, taking care of your brake pads is a smart move for your safety, your wallet, and your peace of mind. Regular inspections and timely replacements are key to keeping your Accord running smoothly and stopping safely.

Tools and Materials You'll Need

Alright, before we get started, let's gather our supplies. Having everything ready will make the job much smoother. Here’s what you'll need to change the rear brake pads on your Honda Accord:

  • New Brake Pads: Make sure you get the right pads for your specific Accord model and year. Check your owner's manual or use an online parts finder. You can get these online, at auto parts stores, or a local mechanic.
  • New Brake Rotors (Optional): If your rotors are worn, warped, or scored, now's the time to replace them. Check their condition, looking for deep grooves or uneven wear.
  • Jack and Jack Stands: These are crucial for safely lifting and supporting your car. Never work under a car supported only by a jack!
  • Wheel Chocks: Place these behind the front wheels to prevent the car from rolling.
  • Lug Wrench: For removing the wheel lug nuts.
  • Socket Set and/or Wrench Set: You'll need various sizes to remove the caliper bolts and other components.
  • C-Clamp or Brake Caliper Compression Tool: This is used to compress the caliper piston, allowing you to fit the new, thicker brake pads.
  • Brake Caliper Grease: To lubricate the caliper slide pins and other moving parts. This prevents sticking and ensures smooth operation.
  • Brake Cleaner: To clean the brake components and remove any dirt or grease.
  • Gloves: To keep your hands clean and protect them from brake dust.
  • Safety Glasses: Protect your eyes from debris.
  • Torque Wrench: For tightening the lug nuts and caliper bolts to the correct specifications (very important!).

Having all of this ready will make the process a lot easier and more enjoyable. Safety first, folks!

Step-by-Step Guide: Changing Your Honda Accord Rear Brake Pads

Okay, let's dive into the actual process of changing your Honda Accord's rear brake pads. Follow these steps carefully, and you'll be braking in style in no time. I promise it is not as hard as it looks, just make sure you focus, and take your time.

Step 1: Prepare Your Vehicle

  1. Park on a level surface: This is super important for safety.
  2. Engage the parking brake: This will help keep the car from moving while you work.
  3. Chock the front wheels: Use wheel chocks to secure the front wheels. No one wants a runaway car.
  4. Loosen the lug nuts: Before jacking up the car, use your lug wrench to loosen the lug nuts on the rear wheel you're working on. Don't remove them completely, just break them loose. Makes it easier to remove them later.

Step 2: Raise and Secure the Vehicle

  1. Position the jack: Place the jack under the designated jacking point for your Honda Accord. Check your owner's manual if you're unsure where it is. Safety first, so find the right point.
  2. Raise the car: Carefully lift the car until the rear wheel is off the ground.
  3. Place jack stands: Position jack stands under the frame of the car. Always use jack stands! Never rely solely on the jack to support the car.
  4. Lower the car onto the jack stands: Slowly lower the car onto the jack stands, ensuring it's stable and secure. Double-check that it's stable!

Step 3: Remove the Wheel and Caliper

  1. Remove the wheel: Unscrew the lug nuts completely and remove the wheel. Set it aside.
  2. Locate the caliper: The caliper is the part that clamps onto the brake rotor. It's usually held in place by two bolts.
  3. Remove the caliper bolts: Use the appropriate socket or wrench to remove the bolts that hold the caliper to the caliper bracket. These bolts can be tight, so use some muscle. Don't strip them!
  4. Remove the caliper: Once the bolts are removed, gently lift the caliper off the brake rotor. Be careful not to damage the brake lines. You can hang the caliper using a bungee cord or wire.

Step 4: Remove the Old Brake Pads

  1. Remove the brake pads: The old brake pads should now be exposed. They might be held in place by retaining clips or springs. Remove these if necessary. Often the pads just slide right out.
  2. Inspect the rotor: Now's a good time to inspect the brake rotor. Look for any scoring, cracks, or uneven wear. If the rotor is damaged, you'll need to replace it.

Step 5: Compress the Caliper Piston

  1. Use a C-clamp or caliper compression tool: This is a crucial step to make room for the new, thicker brake pads. Place the C-clamp or tool on the caliper, with the old brake pad still in place to protect the piston. Use the other old brake pad on the other side. You'll need the caliper piston to go back into the caliper.
  2. Slowly compress the piston: Tighten the C-clamp or tool, compressing the caliper piston back into the caliper. Be patient and work slowly to avoid damaging the piston or seals. You will see the piston compress. If you can't compress the piston, check the brake fluid reservoir. There may be too much fluid. Remove some and then retry.
  3. Remove the C-clamp or tool: Once the piston is fully compressed, remove the clamp or tool.

Step 6: Install the New Brake Pads

  1. Apply brake caliper grease: Generously apply brake caliper grease to the slide pins on the caliper bracket. Also, apply the grease to the areas where the brake pads will contact the caliper and bracket.
  2. Install the new brake pads: Slide the new brake pads into the caliper bracket. Make sure they fit securely. If your pads have any wear indicators (little metal tabs that will squeal when the pads are worn), make sure they're positioned correctly.
  3. Reinstall the caliper: Carefully place the caliper back over the new brake pads and onto the rotor. Line up the caliper bolts.

Step 7: Reassemble and Test

  1. Install the caliper bolts: Tighten the caliper bolts to the manufacturer's specified torque. Use a torque wrench to ensure proper tightness. Refer to your service manual or a reliable online resource for the correct torque specifications. Overtightening can damage the bolts, and undertightening can be dangerous. It should be very tight!
  2. Install the wheel: Put the wheel back on and hand-tighten the lug nuts. Then, lower the car until the wheel is just touching the ground. Now, torque the lug nuts to the manufacturer's specifications, using a torque wrench. Check your service manual for the proper torque spec.
  3. Lower the car completely: Once the lug nuts are torqued, lower the car completely to the ground.
  4. Test the brakes: Before you drive anywhere, pump the brake pedal several times to make sure the pads are seated correctly. The pedal should feel firm. This is important!
  5. Test drive: Take a short test drive at a low speed, testing your brakes and making sure everything feels right. Listen for any unusual noises. You may hear a little noise at first, but it should go away as you drive a bit.

Step 8: Final Checks and Important Tips

  1. Check Brake Fluid Level: After compressing the caliper piston, you might have displaced some brake fluid. Check the brake fluid reservoir and top it off if necessary. Always use the correct type of brake fluid specified in your owner's manual.
  2. Bedding In Your Brakes: New brake pads need to be