🔧 Rear Brake Pads - Pad Replacement

The rear pads on your CR-V are straightforward to replace if the caliper slides freely and the rotor surface is in good shape. You’ll remove the wheel, retract the caliper, swap the pads, and reinstall everything with the correct torque.

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

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⚠️ Safety & Precautions

• Work on a flat, level surface and chock the front wheels before lifting the rear.
• Use jack stands under the vehicle; do not rely on the floor jack alone.
• Let the brakes cool if the vehicle was recently driven.
• Do not press the brake pedal with the caliper removed.
• Support the caliper with wire or a hook so the brake hose is not stretched.
• No battery disconnect is required for this job.

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🔧 Required Tools

You'll need the following tools for this repair:

• Floor jack (rated 3-ton minimum)
• Jack stands (rated for vehicle weight)
• Wheel chocks
• 19mm lug wrench or socket
• 14mm socket
• 17mm socket
• Ratchet
• Breaker bar
• Torque wrench
• C-clamp or disc brake piston tool
• Flat-blade screwdriver
• Bungee cord or mechanic’s wire
• Wire brush
• Brake cleaner
• Microfiber shop towels
• Safety glasses
• Nitrile gloves

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🔩 Required Parts

HowToo sells all the parts you need for this repair:

• Rear brake pad set - Qty: 1
• Brake pad hardware kit - Qty: 1
• Brake grease - Qty: 1
• Brake cleaner - Qty: 1

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📋 Before You Begin

• Park on level ground and set the parking brake.
• Loosen the rear lug nuts slightly before lifting the vehicle.
• Lift the rear and support it securely with jack stands.
• Release the parking brake before removing the rear caliper and rotor area.
• Keep the key off to avoid accidental brake input.

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🔨 Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these steps in order:

Step 1: Remove the rear wheel

• Use a 19mm lug wrench or socket to loosen and remove the lug nuts.
• Take off the rear wheel and set it aside.
• Lay the wheel flat under the vehicle for extra safety.

Step 2: Remove the caliper

• Use a 14mm socket to remove the caliper slide pin bolts.
• Lift the caliper off the bracket.
• Hang the caliper with a bungee cord or mechanic’s wire so the brake hose is not strained.

Step 3: Remove the old pads

• Slide the old inner and outer pads out of the bracket.
• Remove the pad clips and hardware if they are included with the new set.
• Use a wire brush to clean rust and buildup from the pad contact areas.

Step 4: Inspect and retract the piston

• Check the rotor surface for deep grooves, heavy rust, or cracking.
• Use a C-clamp or disc brake piston tool to slowly push the caliper piston back in.
• Watch the brake fluid reservoir while compressing the piston.
• Push slowly to avoid damaging the seals.

Step 5: Install the new pads and hardware

• Install the new pad clips and hardware.
• Apply a thin layer of brake grease to the pad ears and contact points only.
• Install the new inner and outer pads into the bracket.

Step 6: Reinstall the caliper

• Lower the caliper over the new pads.
• Use a 14mm socket to reinstall the caliper slide pin bolts.
• Torque to 34 Nm (25 ft-lbs).

Step 7: Reinstall the wheel

• Put the wheel back on and hand-thread the lug nuts.
• Use a 19mm lug wrench or socket to snug the lug nuts in a star pattern.
• Lower the vehicle, then use a torque wrench to tighten the lug nuts.
• Torque to 108 Nm (80 ft-lbs).

Step 8: Repeat on the other side

• Replace the pads on the opposite rear wheel using the same steps.
• Brake pads should be replaced in pairs.

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✅ After Repair

• Press the brake pedal several times before driving to seat the pads against the rotors.
• Check the brake fluid level and top off if needed.
• Test the brakes at low speed in a safe area.
• Listen for rubbing, grinding, or clicking.
• For the first 200 miles, avoid hard stops unless necessary.

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💰 DIY vs Shop Cost

Shop Cost: $250-$450 (parts + labor)

DIY Cost: $45-$120 (parts only)

You Save: $205-$330 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.

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🎯 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.