How to Replace 1998 Honda Accord Brakes

Brakes are one of the most important safety features on any car. The brakes on your 1998 Honda Accord use pads that squeeze the rotors and stop the car with friction. Over time, these brake pads wear down and braking will become more difficult. When you hear your brakes start to squeal or grind as you press down on the brake pedal, or when the brakes no longer seem as responsive, it's time to replace them. This task is rather challenging and requires at least 30 minutes, especially if you have no experience with basic auto repair.

Instructions

Front Brake Pads

1

Park your Honda Accord on a level surface. Place a jack under the frame near the driver's side tire and raise the car until the tire is about an inch off the ground. Place a jack stand under the car to secure it. Raise the passenger side of the car in the same manner and place a second jack stand on that side.

2

Remove the four lug nuts on each front tire, using the lug wrench and working in a star pattern. Start with the top lug nut and then go to the bottom, then the left, then the right. Remove both tires, exposing the caliper and rotors, and set the tires aside.

3

Connect the 5/16-inch socket to the ratchet and use it to unscrew the retaining nuts on the caliper of the driver's side tire. These nuts are located on the rear left and right sides of both calipers. Once loosened, pull the calipers off the rotor with your hands and remove the worn brake pads from the calipers by prying them out.

4

Slide the new brake pads into the calipers in the same position as the old ones and press them in securely. Place the calipers back onto the rotor and refasten the retaining nuts. Use a torque wrench to tighten the retaining nuts to 43.7 foot-pounds.

5

Reinstall the tire and tighten the lug nuts using a lug wrench and working in a star pattern as you did when you removed the tire. Repeat Steps 3 through 5 for the passenger tire. When finished, remove the jack stands, lower the Honda Accord to the ground and remove the jack.