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5 Steps to Proper Honda Brake Repair
If you own a Honda, a brake repair is a project you might consider doing yourself. With these easy instructions and basic mechanical ability, most people can do this repair and save money.
What You Need:
- Automotive Jack
- Tire Iron
- Wrenches or sockets set
- Large C-Clamp
- New brake pads and rotors (if needed)
- Wire Brush
- High temperature non-melting silicone brake lubricant
- Torque wrench
Step 1 – Raise Car and Remove Wheels
Loosen the lug nuts slightly before raising the car. Now raise the car until the tires are off the ground. Placing something to wedge the rear tires from moving is a good practice. Remove the lug nuts and then the wheels. Turn the steering wheel to move the brake caliper assembly nearer towards the outside of the vehicle for best access.
Step 2 – Releasing the Caliper Assembly
Loosen and remove the 12mm bolt attaching the caliper from the support. Swing the assembly away from the rotor disc on the upper slide pin. A wire brush is best to clean off any dirt buildup.
If you are just replacing the brake pads, jump to Step 4.
Step 3 – Removal of the Caliper Assembly and Disc
Remove the caliper assembly off the slide pin and attach it to the spindle arm or some item with wire or a plastic tie. This way you will not stretch or damage the fluid line.
Loosen and remove the connecting caliper bracket from the spindle. The bracket should now be easily removed. Next, remove the rotor. If still firmly attached, look for two Phillips head screws securing the rotor to the hub. Many times these screws become frozen and need to be drilled out. If the rotor is still stuck, there are two threaded holes where screws may be inserted. By tightening these screws it will put pressure on the rotor to come loose.
Take the rotor to an auto service center and have them inspected. Rotors can be regrounded a few times, after which replacement is needed.Replace with the resurfaced or new rotor on the hub and you’re ready to finish this service.
Step 4 – Replace the Caliper Assembly and Install the New Brake Pads
Now mount the caliper bracket and attach it with the bolts you had removed. Bolt lubricant is helpful to coat the bolts before attaching. Tighten the 17mm bolts with the torque wrench to 80 ft/lbs.
Use the wire brush to remove any debris or rust on the brake pad retaining clips. Brake lubricant is useful with this task.Install the new brake pads by pressing them into the location until secured by the retaining clips. The pad with the metal wear indicator tab is to be installed on the inner pad location. Using brake lubricant to the outside of the pads will help.
Step 5 – Reattaching the Caliper Assembly
Clean the slide pin and lubricate with brake cleaner. Clean the slot on the caliper too. Apply a liberal amount of silicone lubricant and slide the caliper into place.
You will need to compress the brake piston to be able to fit over the rotor. Using a piece of wood to protect the piston head, tighten a large C-clap over the piston head and the back of the caliper. Slowly tighten until the piston is depressed into the assembly.
Now slide the caliper over the pads and secure it with the 12 mm bolt. Tighten with the torque wrench to 24 ft/lbs.
Lower the car and take out for a test drive. First test braking at low speeds and then increase gradually.
