How to Change Brake Rotors on an Accord

The brake rotors are the smooth metal discs which are visible through the wheels of your Honda Accord. These discs attach to, and spin with the wheels as your car moves forward or back. When the brakes are applied, the rotors are squeezed between two brake pads which create enough friction to slow and stop the car. Over time, with wear, weather and the heat involved with the stopping process, your rotors can become scratched or warped, and can lose their stopping power. To change your brake rotors you will need to know exactly what you are doing.

Instructions

1

Place chocks in the form of wooden blocks or bricks around each wheel of your Accord. Use your tire iron to loosen each of the lug nuts on the wheel you are working on, one turn. Use your jack to life the front end of the car on one side. Make sure to place the jack beneath the vehicle according to the manufacturer's recommendations. Place additional supports beneath the car to ensure its stability.

2

Use your tire iron to remove the four lug nuts from your wheel. Remove the wheel and tire from the car by pulling on it and shifting its weight side to side until it releases. Place the tire aside.

3

Use your ratchet set to remove the two brake caliper bolts at each end of the brake caliper. The bolt heads are located behind each end of the caliper, and they sit in two rubber boots which seal the rear of the caliper from outside dirt. Place your ratchet over the bolt heads and turn in a counterclockwise direction until each bolt slides out and the caliper comes loose.

4

Slide the brake caliper from its position on the rotor. Support its weight with rope or wire so the pressure of the hanging caliper does not damage the delicate brake lines which are attached to it. Remove two old brake pads from the caliper. Locate the two set screws toward the center of your rotor. Use your screwdriver to turn the screws in a counterclockwise direction until they loosen and can be removed.

5

Pull the rotor straight outward from the axle hub by hand. If the rotor is stuck in place, use your rubber mallet to loosen it by striking points all around the edge. Replace the old rotor with the new, and reinstall the set screws.

6

Open the hood of the Accord and open the brake fluid reservoir. Use your C-clamp to compress the caliper piston. Slide the clamp over the center of the piston so that the solid edge of the clamp rests against the back of the caliper, and the adjustable clamp arm rests against the piston inside the caliper. Turn the clamp until the caliper piston is flush with the inside surface of the caliper. Release and remove the clamp.

7

Place new brake pads at the front and rear edges of the caliper and follow the manufacturer's instructions for anti-squeal plates or lubricants. Slide the calipers over your new rotor. Reinstall the two caliper bolts at the rear of the caliper with your ratchet set. Reinstall your wheel by holding it in position in front of the axle hub, and hand tightening one lug nut in place. Install the remaining lugs with your tire iron, making sure to tighten them evenly.

8

Lower your car with the jack. Replace the lid on your brake fluid reservoir. Pump the brakes several times until the pedal pressure builds to a normal level. Test the brakes by driving the automobile in an open area.