🔧 Front Brake Pads - Replacement

Replacing the front pads on your Accord restores stopping power and prevents damage to the brake rotors. This job is straightforward if you take your time and keep the brake parts clean.

Difficulty Level: Beginner | Estimated Time: 1.5-2.5 hours

---

⚠️ Safety & Precautions

• Work on a flat surface and chock the rear wheels.
• Use jack stands. Never rely on a floor jack alone.
• Brake parts can be hot after driving.
• Do not press the brake pedal with the caliper removed.
• Keep grease and brake fluid off the pads and rotor.
• No battery disconnect is required.

---

🔧 Required Tools

You'll need the following tools for this repair:

• Floor jack (rated 3-ton minimum)
• Jack stands
• Wheel chocks
• 19mm lug wrench
• 12mm socket
• 17mm socket
• Ratchet
• Torque wrench
• Brake caliper compressor tool (specialty)
• Flat-blade screwdriver
• Bungee cord or mechanic's hanger
• Wire brush
• Brake cleaner
• Safety glasses
• Nitrile gloves

---

🔩 Required Parts

HowToo sells all the parts you need for this repair:

• Front brake pad set - Qty: 1
• Brake grease - Qty: 1
• Brake hardware clips - Qty: 1 set

---

📋 Before You Begin

• Park on level ground and engage the parking brake.
• Loosen the front wheel lug nuts before lifting the car.
• Open the hood and check the brake fluid level. It may rise when the caliper pistons are pushed back.
• If your brake fluid reservoir is already full, remove a small amount before compressing the pistons.

---

🔨 Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these steps in order:

Step 1: Raise the front of the car

• Use a floor jack to lift the front end at the proper lift point.
• Support the car with jack stands under the front subframe.
• Remove both front wheels with a 19mm lug wrench.
• Keep the car steady before working underneath.

Step 2: Remove the caliper

• Use a 12mm socket to remove the caliper slide pin bolts.
• Lift the caliper off the bracket and hang it with a bungee cord or mechanic's hanger.
• Do not let the caliper hang by the rubber brake hose.

Step 3: Remove the old pads and hardware

• Pull the old pads out of the caliper bracket.
• Remove the pad clips and inspect the bracket.
• Use a wire brush and brake cleaner to clean rust and dust from the bracket contact points.

Step 4: Compress the caliper piston

• Use a brake caliper compressor tool (specialty) to slowly push the piston back into the caliper.
• If the piston resists, make sure the brake fluid reservoir is not overfilled.
• Go slow to avoid damaging seals.

Step 5: Install the new hardware and pads

• Install the new pad clips in the caliper bracket.
• Apply a thin layer of brake grease to the pad ears and contact points only.
• Install the new front brake pads in the bracket.

Step 6: Reinstall the caliper

• Slide the caliper over the new pads.
• Install the caliper slide pin bolts with a 12mm socket.
• Torque to 32 Nm (24 ft-lbs).

Step 7: Reinstall the wheels

• Put the wheels back on and hand-tighten the lug nuts with a 19mm lug wrench.
• Lower the car to the ground.
• Torque to 108 Nm (80 ft-lbs) in a star pattern.

Step 8: Set the pads and check pedal feel

• Press the brake pedal slowly several times until it feels firm.
• Check the brake fluid level and top off if needed.
• Verify both front wheels spin freely with only light pad drag.

---

✅ After Repair

• Test the brakes at low speed in a safe area.
• Listen for rubbing, squealing, or clicking.
• For the first 200 miles, avoid hard stops when possible.
• If the pedal feels soft, stop and recheck the installation.

---

💰 DIY vs Shop Cost

Shop Cost: $220-$420 (parts + labor)

DIY Cost: $60-$140 (parts only)

You Save: $160-$280 by doing it yourself!

Shop labor rates vary but typically run $100-$150/hour. This repair takes a shop approximately 1.0-1.5 hours.

---

🎯 Ready to get started?

HowToo makes it easy: same-day/2-day shipping on every part, plus all the tools and specialty tools you need! Check out the parts and tools sections below to add everything to your cart.