How to Change the Brakes on a Honda Accord

The brake pads on your Honda Accord need to be changed at least every 50,000 miles, and possibly sooner if you drive and brake under intense conditions. If you hear any grinding noises at all when applying the brakes, you must change the pads immediately. The brake pads are contained in the brake calipers that grip the rotors. You must change both sets of pads on both wheels at the same time.

Instructions

1

Siphon out at least half half the brake fluid from the Accord's master cylinder using a clean siphon or turkey baster. Raise the front end of the car on jack stands and remove the wheels.

2

Disconnect the brake hose mounting bolt if it gets in the way of removing the brake caliper. Remove the bolt on one caliper's lower end and pivot the caliper upward to reveal the brake pads and shims.

3

Remove the brake pads, shims and retainers on both sides of the caliper and remove the old pads from the shims.

4

Clean the caliper brackets and lubricate their sliding pins with a high temperature brake grease. Lightly apply anti-seizing compound to the backing tabs for the pads and the slots those tabs go into on the bracket. Re-install the retainers and shims.

5

Press the caliper piston back into the brake caliper. Clean the piston's exposed area with brake cleaner, wipe it with a lint-free cloth and use a C-clamp to press it back in, pressing on the center of the piston.

6

Install the replacement brake pads into their retainers. Pivot the caliper back down into position and install the mounting bolt.

7

Repeat the process for the brake caliper on the other side.

8

Replace the wheels and lower the Accord once both brakes have been changed. Fill the brake master cylinder to the necessary level. Press the brake pedal in short strokes (no more than two inches at a time) until the brakes feel firm.