🔧 Front Brakes & Rotors - Replacement

This job replaces the front brake pads and rotors on your Accord. You’ll remove the caliper, swap the rotor, install new pads, then torque everything back to spec and bed the brakes in.

Difficulty Level: Intermediate | Estimated Time: 2-4 hours

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⚠️ Safety & Precautions

• Work on a level surface and chock the rear wheels.
• Lift one front corner at a time and support it with jack stands before removing the wheel.
• Do not press the brake pedal with a caliper removed.
• Use a caliper hanger or wire to support the caliper. Do not let it hang by the brake hose.
• Front brake dust can be harmful. Wear a mask if dust is heavy and do not blow it with compressed air.
• Battery disconnect is not required for this repair.

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🔧 Required Tools

You'll need the following tools for this repair:

• Floor jack (rated 3-ton minimum)
• Jack stands (pair, rated 3-ton minimum)
• Wheel chocks
• Lug wrench or 19mm socket
• Breaker bar
• 3/8-inch ratchet
• 14mm socket
• 17mm socket
• Torque wrench
• C-clamp or disc brake piston tool (specialty)
• Flat-blade screwdriver
• Bungee cord or caliper hanger
• Wire brush
• Brake cleaner
• Mechanic gloves
• Safety glasses

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🔩 Required Parts

HowToo sells all the parts you need for this repair:

• Front brake pad set - Qty: 1
• Front brake rotors - Replace in pairs - Qty: 2
• Brake hardware kit - Qty: 1
• Brake caliper slide pin grease - Qty: 1

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📋 Before You Begin

• Park on level ground and set the parking brake.
• Loosen the front lug nuts before lifting the car.
• If your car has an electronic parking brake, you do not need to use service mode for front brake work.
• Keep the ignition off while the caliper is off the rotor.

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🔨 Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these steps in order:

Step 1: Loosen the wheel

• Use a 19mm socket or lug wrench to loosen the front lug nuts 1/2 turn while the tire is still on the ground.

Step 2: Lift and secure the vehicle

• Use a floor jack to raise the front corner of the car.
• Set the car onto jack stands placed under a solid factory lift point.
• Remove the wheel and set it aside.

Step 3: Remove the caliper

• Use a 14mm socket and ratchet to remove the caliper slide pin bolts.
• Lift the caliper off the bracket.
• Hang the caliper with a bungee cord or caliper hanger.
• Do not let the brake hose stretch.

Step 4: Remove the caliper bracket

• Use a 17mm socket and breaker bar to remove the two caliper bracket bolts.
• Torque on reassembly: 108 Nm (80 ft-lbs)
• Remove the bracket from the knuckle.

Step 5: Remove the rotor

• If the rotor has retaining screws, use a Phillips screwdriver or flat-blade screwdriver to remove them.
• Pull the rotor off the hub.
• If it is stuck, tap the rotor hat with a rubber mallet or use the threaded push-off holes if present.
• Clean the hub face with a wire brush and brake cleaner.

Step 6: Install the new rotor

• Spray the new rotor with brake cleaner and wipe it dry.
• Install the rotor onto the hub.
• If retaining screws are used, snug them down lightly with a Phillips screwdriver.

Step 7: Prep the caliper bracket

• Clean the pad contact points on the bracket with a wire brush.
• Install new hardware clips from the hardware kit.
• Apply a thin layer of brake caliper slide pin grease to the pad contact areas and slide pins.

Step 8: Retract the caliper piston

• Use a C-clamp or disc brake piston tool to slowly push the piston back into the caliper bore.
• Watch the brake fluid reservoir while compressing the piston.
• Go slow to avoid damaging the seals.

Step 9: Install the new pads and bracket

• Install the new pads into the bracket with any wear indicators in the same position as the old ones.
• Reinstall the bracket over the rotor.
• Use a 17mm socket to tighten the bracket bolts.
• Torque to 108 Nm (80 ft-lbs)

Step 10: Reinstall the caliper

• Slide the caliper over the new pads.
• Use a 14mm socket to install the caliper slide pin bolts.
• Torque to 32 Nm (24 ft-lbs)

Step 11: Reinstall the wheel

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

Step 12: Seat the brakes

• Before moving the car, press the brake pedal several times until it feels firm.
• Check the brake fluid level and top off if needed.
• Repeat the same steps on the other front wheel.

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✅ After Repair

• Test the brakes at low speed in a safe area.
• Listen for rubbing or clicking noises.
• Check for brake fluid leaks and confirm the pedal is firm.
• Bedding-in: make several moderate stops from 30-40 mph, then allow the brakes to cool.
• Do not hold the pedal hard at a stop while hot.

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💰 DIY vs Shop Cost

Shop Cost: $450-$850 (parts + labor)

DIY Cost: $180-$380 (parts only)

You Save: $270-$470 by doing it yourself!

Shop labor rates vary but typically run $100-$150/hour. This repair takes a shop approximately 1.5-2.5 hours.

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🎯 Ready to get started?

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