How to Change Honda Brake Pads

Changing front brake pads on a Honda is fairly straightforward and requires only a minimum of tools. The brake rotor on most Hondas is easy to remove and install should it need to be machined due to heavy scoring. A few Hondas, such as the 95-97 Accords, have an awkward and inconvenient set-up with the hub in front of the rotor. This requires removing the axle and spindle and changing the front bearing if replacement is necessary. This is a difficult job requiring special tools and is best left to a shop. If these rotors are scored, they can be machined on the car at a service facility with a special lathe.

Things You'll Need

• Lug wrench
• Floor jack
• Jack stands
• 3/8-inch drive ratchet
• Set of 3/8-inch drive sockets
• Common screwdriver
• Set of small wrenches
• Drip pan
• Bottle of brake fluid

Instructions

1. Raise and support the vehicle on jack stands. Remove the tire/wheel assembly. Place the drip pan under the caliper. Open the top brake caliper bleeder screw.

2. Insert the screwdriver in the center hole of the caliper and use the tip to push the inside pad inward toward the engine. This will move the inside pad away from the rotor enough to insert the screwdriver between the rotor and the pad. Once the screwdriver is inserted between the rotor and pad, slowly pry the inside pad inward which will push the caliper piston back into its bore. Once the piston is seated fully in the caliper, close the bleeder screw and tighten it.

3. Remove the two caliper mounting bolts using a socket and ratchet. Lift the caliper up and off the mounting bracket. Remove the old brake pads from the caliper. Hang the caliper by a piece of suitable wire so it does not hang by its hose, causing damage to the hose.

4. Lay the new pads face down and apply the anti-squeal compound that comes with the pads to the back of the pads. Allow 15 minutes for it to set up.

5. Install the pads onto the caliper, lower the caliper down over the mounting bracket, install the securing bolts and tighten. Install the tires, then let the car down and refill the master cylinder, as needed, with brake fluid. Pump the brake pedal slowly 10 times to re-adjust the front brakes.