Replacing your brakes is a routine maintenance project that is easy to tackle on your own. With some experience, the right tools and proper know-how, you can take on this project and save money. Use a free online VIN lookup to be sure you have the right parts for this DIY auto repair project.
Prepare Your Accord
Find a dry, level place to park your Honda Accord and prepare to get started. You’ll need tools for safely lifting your Honda, removing your wheels and working with a range of bolts. Brake bolts can become corroded easily, so be sure you have quality tools to handle high-torque applications. Consider invest in specialized tools, like brake compression tools, to make the project more efficient and comfortable.
Remove Your Wheels
Once your area is prepared, loosen lug nuts, lift your Accord and start removing wheels. Most brake issues are caused by front-wheel brake pads, so either the left or right front wheel is a great place to start. Fully remove the wheel so you can inspect your brakes.
Inspect Your Brakes
Just because brake pads are the most common culprit doesn’t mean that they are the only component that needs to be replaced. Once you remove your Honda’s wheels, you can carefully inspect your brake pads, rotors and calipers. Brake rotors should be even and free from gouges. Calipers should be free from rust and corrosion and capable of smoothly operating. Brake pads should be over 1/4-inch thick and evenly worn.
Remove the Calipers
Issues with one or more of these components requires removal and replacement. To access your brake pads, you’ll need to first remove the calipers. Your Honda Accord caliper bolts require a metric socket and ratchet to be removed. Once your caliper is safely removed you can slide out your brake pads.
Clean or Replace the Calipers and Rotors if Necessary
Remove your rotor if it has signs of damage. You won’t always need to replace your brake calipers and rotors when you replace your brake pads, but it’s a good idea to spray them down with brake cleaner. This will prevent rust from causing your calipers to stick down the road.
Swap Out Your Brake Pads
Be sure your new brake pads come with brake shims, or you’ll need to reuse your old ones. Brake shims are thin metal plates that are used to align and install your brake pads. Check the orientation of your old brake pads to ensure your new ones are installed correctly.
Many new brake pads come with convenient wear patterns that help you determine when it’s time to replace your brakes. They may even have squealers, which are small metal pieces that cause your brakes to squeal before they lose their braking power.
Invest in Quality Parts
After you’ve swapped out your brake pads, it’s time to reassembly your pads, put your wheels back on and test out your new brakes. Learn more about how to replace brake rotors or shop for high-quality brake pads today by visiting a leading auto parts store online. Your favorite local auto parts store will also have the parts, tools and knowledge you need for safe, efficient brake pad replacement.