🔧 HR-V - Rear Brake Pad & Rotor Replacement

This repair replaces the rear brake pads and rear brake rotors on your HR-V. The rear calipers use an electric parking brake, so the parking brake must be placed into maintenance mode before pushing the caliper pistons back.

Difficulty Level: Intermediate | Estimated Time: 2-3 hours

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⚠️ Safety & Precautions

• ⚠️ Do not press the brake pedal while a rear caliper is removed.
• ⚠️ The electric parking brake must be released and placed in maintenance mode before compressing the rear caliper piston.
• ⚠️ Never work under your HR-V supported only by a jack. Always use jack stands.
• ⚠️ Brake dust is harmful. Use brake cleaner, not compressed air.
• ⚠️ Rear brake work affects stopping ability. Test brakes carefully before driving normally.
• ⚠️ Battery disconnect is not normally required, but keep the ignition OFF after maintenance mode is set.

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🔧 Required Tools

You'll need the following tools for this repair:

• 3/8-inch ratchet
• 1/2-inch breaker bar
• 12mm socket
• 14mm socket
• 17mm socket
• 19mm socket
• Torque wrench 10-100 ft-lb
• Brake caliper compression tool (specialty)
• Honda-compatible scan tool with EPB service mode (specialty)
• Phillips #3 impact screwdriver
• Rubber mallet
• Flat-blade screwdriver
• Wire brush
• Brake cleaner spray
• Brake caliper hanger hook
• Floor jack rated 2-ton minimum
• Jack stands rated 2-ton minimum
• Wheel chocks
• 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 rotors - Replace in pairs - Qty: 2
• Rear brake hardware kit - Qty: 1
• Brake lubricant - Qty: 1
• Brake cleaner spray - Qty: 1-2 cans
• DOT 3 brake fluid - Qty: 1 small bottle

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📋 Before You Begin

• Park your HR-V on level ground.
• Place the transmission in Park.
• Chock the front wheels with wheel chocks.
• Release the parking brake before starting.
• Use a Honda-compatible scan tool to enter EPB Maintenance Mode. EPB means electric parking brake.
• A scan tool is a handheld electronic tool that talks to the car’s brake control system.
• Loosen the rear wheel lug nuts slightly before lifting the vehicle.
• Open the brake fluid reservoir cap under the hood so fluid can return when the pistons are compressed.

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🔨 Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these steps in order:

Step 1: Put the Electric Parking Brake in Maintenance Mode

• Use the Honda-compatible scan tool with EPB service mode.
• Select Electric Parking Brake > Maintenance Mode > Start.
• Wait until the scan tool confirms the rear parking brake motors have retracted.
• Turn the ignition OFF after maintenance mode is complete.
• Do not skip this step.

Step 2: Loosen the Rear Lug Nuts

• Use the 19mm socket and 1/2-inch breaker bar to loosen each rear lug nut about 1/2 turn.
• Do not remove the lug nuts yet.

Step 3: Lift and Support the Rear of the Vehicle

• Use the floor jack rated 2-ton minimum to lift the rear of your HR-V at the rear jacking point.
• Place jack stands rated 2-ton minimum under the approved rear support points.
• Lower the vehicle gently onto the jack stands.
• Keep the floor jack lightly touching as a backup.

Step 4: Remove the Rear Wheels

• Use the 19mm socket to remove the loosened lug nuts.
• Remove both rear wheels and set them flat on the ground.

Step 5: Remove the Rear Caliper

• Use the 12mm socket or 14mm socket to remove the two rear caliper slide pin bolts.
• Slide the caliper off the brake pads.
• Use the brake caliper hanger hook to hang the caliper from the suspension spring.
• Do not let the caliper hang by the rubber brake hose.

Step 6: Remove the Old Brake Pads and Hardware

• Use the flat-blade screwdriver to gently pry the old pads out of the caliper bracket.
• Remove the metal pad clips from the caliper bracket.
• These clips are called abutment clips. They let the pads slide smoothly.
• Use the wire brush to clean the areas where the clips sit.

Step 7: Remove the Caliper Bracket

• Use the 17mm socket and 1/2-inch breaker bar to remove the two rear caliper bracket bolts.
• Remove the caliper bracket from the knuckle.

Step 8: Remove the Rear Rotor

• Use the Phillips #3 impact screwdriver to remove the rotor retaining screws.
• If the rotor is stuck, tap around the rotor hat with the rubber mallet.
• Pull the rotor straight off the hub.
• Tap lightly and evenly.

Step 9: Clean the Hub Surface

• Use the wire brush to clean rust from the wheel hub face.
• Spray the area with brake cleaner spray.
• Wipe the hub dry with a clean rag.
• This helps the new rotor sit flat and prevents brake vibration.

Step 10: Install the New Rear Rotor

• Spray both sides of the new rotor with brake cleaner spray to remove protective oil.
• Slide the new rotor onto the hub.
• Install the rotor retaining screws with the Phillips #3 impact screwdriver.
• Tighten the screws snugly. Do not over-tighten them.

Step 11: Service the Caliper Bracket

• Install the new brake hardware clips into the caliper bracket by hand.
• Apply a thin layer of brake lubricant to the pad contact points on the clips.
• Do not get grease on the rotor or pad friction material.

Step 12: Reinstall the Caliper Bracket

• Position the caliper bracket over the new rotor.
• Start both bracket bolts by hand to avoid cross-threading.
• Use the 17mm socket and torque wrench 10-100 ft-lb.
• Torque to 88 Nm (65 ft-lbs).

Step 13: Compress the Rear Caliper Piston

• Confirm the electric parking brake is still in maintenance mode.
• Use the brake caliper compression tool to slowly push the caliper piston back into the caliper.
• Watch the brake fluid reservoir under the hood so it does not overflow.
• If fluid gets too high, remove a small amount with a clean suction tool.
• Go slow to protect seals.

Step 14: Install the New Brake Pads

• Place the new rear brake pads into the caliper bracket by hand.
• Make sure the pads slide smoothly in the new hardware clips.
• Apply a thin layer of brake lubricant to the pad backing plates where the caliper touches.
• Do not apply lubricant to the pad friction surface.

Step 15: Reinstall the Rear Caliper

• Remove the caliper from the brake caliper hanger hook.
• Slide the caliper over the new pads.
• Start the slide pin bolts by hand.
• Use the 12mm socket or 14mm socket and torque wrench 10-100 ft-lb.
• Torque to 31 Nm (23 ft-lbs).

Step 16: Repeat on the Other Side

• Repeat Steps 5 through 15 on the opposite rear wheel.
• Rear brake pads and rotors must be replaced in pairs.

Step 17: Reinstall the Rear Wheels

• Install the rear wheels by hand.
• Thread the lug nuts on by hand first.
• Use the 19mm socket to snug the lug nuts in a star pattern.

Step 18: Lower the Vehicle and Torque the Lug Nuts

• Use the floor jack rated 2-ton minimum to lift slightly off the jack stands.
• Remove the jack stands rated 2-ton minimum.
• Lower your HR-V to the ground.
• Use the 19mm socket and torque wrench 10-100 ft-lb.
• Torque to 108 Nm (80 ft-lbs) in a star pattern.

Step 19: Exit Electric Parking Brake Maintenance Mode

• Use the Honda-compatible scan tool with EPB service mode.
• Select Electric Parking Brake > Maintenance Mode > End.
• Cycle the electric parking brake ON and OFF once.
• Listen for normal parking brake motor operation at both rear wheels.

Step 20: Pump the Brake Pedal

• Sit in the driver seat.
• Press the brake pedal slowly several times until it feels firm.
• Do not drive until the pedal is firm.
• Check the brake fluid level and top off with DOT 3 brake fluid if needed.

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✅ After Repair

• ✅ Start your HR-V and confirm the brake warning light and parking brake warning light turn off normally.
• ✅ Test the electric parking brake several times while parked.
• ✅ Check around both rear calipers for brake fluid leaks.
• ✅ Drive slowly in a safe area and test the brakes before normal driving.
• ✅ Bed in the new pads by making 8-10 gentle stops from about 30 mph to 5 mph, allowing cooling time between stops.
• ✅ Avoid hard braking for the first 200 miles unless it is an emergency.

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💰 DIY vs Shop Cost

Shop Cost: $350-$650 (parts + labor)

DIY Cost: $120-$250 (parts only)

You Save: $230-$400 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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