The front brakes on the Honda Accord are anti-lock disc brakes. The function of anti-lock disc brakes relies on three key parts. First, the rotor must be smooth and consistent. Second, the brake pads must have enough padding surface to withstand the friction and resulting heat that is caused by braking. Third, the brake caliper, which houses the brake pads, holds the pads in place around the rotor and delivers the piston to the brake pads. The caliper piston is extended by the brake fluid when the brake pedal is depressed. Any of these components may need to be replaced when fixing the brakes of the 2002 Honda Accord SE.
Instructions
- 1
Park the Honda on a relatively flat surface, away from traffic, with ample space to work on both sides of the vehicle. Place tire blocks behind the rear tires. Apply the parking brake.
2Loosen the lug nuts on the front wheels with the tire iron. Place the lifting jack under the frame in the front of the vehicle, near the front bumper, and lift until the front tires are 2 inches clear of the ground. Place jack stands beneath the front frame and lower the vehicle onto the stands.
3Remove the lug nuts and pull the front wheels from the wheel bolts. Turn the steering well to the left.
4Remove the two caliper bolts on the right brake using a 5/8-inch Allen wrench. Pull the caliper away from the brake rotor. Use the 10mm wrench to loosen the clamp that holds the brake line to the caliper.
5Pull the rotor from the wheel bolts. If the rotor is stuck to the wheel bolts, lightly tap the "top hat" section of the rotor (the center part of the rotor that protrudes from the main surface of the disc) with a hammer.
6Spray the new rotor with brake cleaner. Wipe the rotor with a clean towel, making sure to remove all brake cleaner and packaging oil from the surface of the new rotor.
7Place the new rotor onto the wheel bolts with the "top hat" section facing outward.
8Connect the brake line to the new caliper, and tighten the clamp with the 10mm wrench. Slide the new brake pads onto the new caliper, and place the caliper over the rotor. Tighten the caliper bolts with the 5/8-inch Allen wrench.
9Turn the steering wheel to the right and remove the caliper bolts on the left brake. Remove the caliper, disconnect the brake line, replace the rotor, and install the new components as you did on the other side of the Accord.
10Turn the steering wheel so that the wheels are pointed forward. Replace the front wheels onto the wheel bolts and screw on the lug nuts. Lift the Honda to remove the jack stands. Lower the vehicle to the ground and tighten the lug nuts with the tire iron.
11Press and hold the brake pedal for 10 seconds. Repeat three times to inject brake fluid into the new calipers, and position the caliper pistons correctly.
12Lift the hood of the Honda and remove the cap to the master cylinder. Fill the master cylinder with DOT-3 brake fluid. Replace the cap, and close the hood.
