🔧 MDX - Rear Brake Pad Replacement

Replacing the rear brake pads restores braking power and prevents rotor damage when pads get thin. On your MDX, the rear brakes are paired with an electronic parking brake (EPB), so you must put the EPB into “service/maintenance mode” before compressing the rear caliper pistons.

Difficulty Level: Intermediate | Estimated Time: 1.5-3.0 hours

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⚠️ Safety & Precautions

• Work on level ground and use jack stands; never rely on a jack alone.
• Do not press the brake pedal while a caliper is off the rotor.
• Rear calipers use the EPB; do not force the piston in unless EPB service mode is active.
• Brake dust is harmful—use brake cleaner, not compressed air.
• Keep grease off pad friction material and rotor faces.

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🔧 Required Tools

You'll need the following tools for this repair:

• Floor jack (rated 3-ton minimum)
• Jack stands (rated 3-ton minimum)
• Wheel chocks
• Torque wrench (10-200 Nm range)
• Breaker bar (1/2" drive)
• 19mm socket (1/2" drive)
• 14mm socket (3/8" drive)
• 17mm socket (1/2" drive)
• Ratchet (3/8" drive)
• Ratchet (1/2" drive)
• Flat trim tool
• C-clamp (6")
• Brake caliper hanger hook
• Wire brush (small)
• Micrometer or brake pad gauge (specialty)
• Nitrile gloves
• Safety glasses

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🔩 Required Parts

HowToo sells all the parts you need for this repair:

• Rear brake pad set - Qty: 1
• Rear brake pad hardware kit (abutment clips) - Qty: 1
• Brake lubricant (silicone or ceramic) - Qty: 1
• Brake cleaner spray - Qty: 1

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📋 Before You Begin

• Park on level ground, turn the steering wheel straight, and place wheel chocks at the front wheels.
• Make sure the EPB is not actively applying and the ignition is OFF before lifting the vehicle.
• Plan how you’ll enter EPB service mode: with a scan tool (best) or the EPB switch method (if supported).
• Loosen the rear lug nuts slightly before lifting: use a 19mm socket and breaker bar.

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🔨 Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these steps in order:

Step 1: Lift and support the rear

• Use a floor jack to lift the rear at the approved lift point, then set the vehicle onto jack stands.
• Remove both rear wheels using a 19mm socket and ratchet (1/2" drive).

Step 2: Put the EPB into service/maintenance mode

• If you have a scan tool: follow the scan tool prompts for Electronic Parking Brake > Maintenance/Service Mode.
• If using the EPB switch method (if supported): follow the on-dash prompts/indicator behavior for EPB Maintenance Mode. If you cannot confirm maintenance mode, stop here and use a scan tool.
• Service mode prevents EPB motor damage.

Step 3: Remove the rear caliper

• Locate the two rear caliper slide pin bolts.
• Use a 14mm socket and ratchet (3/8" drive) to remove the slide pin bolts.
• Lift the caliper off the bracket and hang it from the suspension using a brake caliper hanger hook (never let it hang by the hose).

Step 4: Remove the old pads and hardware

• Pull the inner and outer pads out of the bracket by hand (use a flat trim tool if they’re stuck).
• Remove the stainless abutment clips (hardware) from the bracket using a flat trim tool.
• Clean the pad contact points on the bracket using a wire brush (small) and brake cleaner spray.

Step 5: Compress the rear caliper piston

• A C-clamp is a screw clamp used to slowly press the piston back in.
• Position the old inner pad against the piston face, then use a C-clamp (6") to slowly compress the piston fully.
• If the piston will not move smoothly, stop—EPB service mode may not be active.

Step 6: Install new hardware and pads

• Install new abutment clips onto the bracket by hand; press them fully seated.
• Apply a thin film of brake lubricant to the pad “ears” (the metal ends that slide in the clips).
• Install the new inner and outer pads into the bracket.
• Keep lube off pad friction surfaces.

Step 7: Reinstall the caliper and torque bolts

• Lower the caliper over the new pads.
• Install the slide pin bolts by hand first, then tighten using a 14mm socket and torque wrench.
• Torque to 34 Nm (25 ft-lbs)

Step 8: Reinstall wheels and torque lug nuts

• Reinstall both rear wheels and snug the lug nuts using a 19mm socket.
• Lower the vehicle using a floor jack, then final-torque the lug nuts in a star pattern with a torque wrench.
• Torque to 127 Nm (94 ft-lbs)

Step 9: Exit EPB service/maintenance mode

• If you used a scan tool: command EPB > Close/Exit Maintenance Mode.
• If you used the EPB switch method: follow the dash/indicator prompts to return the EPB to normal operation.

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✅ After Repair

• With the vehicle on the ground, pump the brake pedal 10-15 times until it feels firm.
• Apply and release the EPB to confirm normal operation.
• Test drive at low speed first; confirm no grinding/squeal and normal braking.
• Pad bed-in (break-in): do several gentle stops from 30-40 mph, letting brakes cool between stops.

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💰 DIY vs Shop Cost

Shop Cost: $300-$600 (parts + labor)

DIY Cost: $60-$180 (parts only)

You Save: $240-$420 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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