How to Repair the Rear Brakes on a 2001 Honda Odyssey

The brake pads are of the utmost importance to a vehicle's performance and safe driving capability. Worn or damaged brakes create a serious risk of accident or injury if the driver cannot stop the vehicle on time. For those who don't want to have a mechanic service their 2001 Odyssey, you can fix the rear brakes in their own driveway. The process involves raising the vehicle, removing the rear wheels, taking out the caliper and pads, and installing replacements.

Instructions

1

Use a suction pump to remove some fluid from the reservoir. Then raise and support the vehicle.

2

Remove the rear wheels. Take out the banjo bolt and separate the brake hose from the caliper. Prevent fluid loss and contamination by plugging the hose.

3

Take off the two caliper mounting bolts, and remove the caliper from its mounting bracket. Also remove the pads, shims, and pad retainers. You are now ready to install the new brakes.

4

Clean the caliper thoroughly, being sure to get off any dirt or dust. Examine the brake rotor for grooves, cracks, and other signs of damage. Install the pad retainers and apply a bit of molybdenum brake grease to both surfaces of the shims and the back of the disc brake pads.

5

Install the pads and shims. Make sure to the wear retainer on the inboard pad faces down when you install it. Push caliper piston into its bore and fit the caliper over the pads. Apply some silicon grease to the piston boot with silicon grease. Do not twist the boot.

6

Secure the brake caliper and tighten down the mounting bolts. Reattach the rear wheels, and lower the vehicle to the ground. Add fluid and press the brakes several times to seat the pads.