Can someone show/teach me how to replace my brake pads/rotor?

[Gosok]

Hi all,

After 23,000KM and 4 days at the track, my front brakes are quitting on me. I checked with the dealer, and they want $190 for labour on top of the cost of parts. Well, I know it isn't all that difficult to change them myself, but I am not confident of doing it without some help, since brakes are afterall the most important safty feature of the car. So I was wondering if there is someone here in the GTA who can spare an hour of their time and show/teach me how to do it properly. I guess once I have seen it done, I can manage in the future.

I drive an Acura EL, which is the same as the 7th generation Honda Civic in front. I believe the brakes are relatively simple to change, as with all other Civics. I have some simple tools already, like a torque wrench and a hydraulic jack.

Please send PM if you can help, I'd really appreciate it.

Thanks!

Gosok

BTW, why do they sell brake pads in pairs, but the rotors single?

[Moose]

Where in the GTA .... it is a big area :)

Moose

[Gosok]

I am in Richmond Hill/Markham area myself, but I don't mind travelling anywhere from Mississauga - North York - Scarborough - Newmarket on a weekend. :)

Gosok

[Dave]

Replacing the brakes is really easy. If nobody is able to show you how, have a look at this thread...

http://www.fperkins.com/Replacingfrontbrakepadsona2001HondaAccordV6.html

Your calipers are the same design as those shown on the Accord in the above thread. It's really very easy. The only "specialty" tools you need is a 12mm wrench or socket on a ratchet and a C-clamp to push the caliper piston back into the housing a bit to make clearance for the thicker new brake pads. Or you can buy a specific tool from Canadian Tire designed to push the piston back into the caliper housing.

Enjoy!

[Gosok]

Hi Dave,

Thanks for the link. I am aware of the steps involved, I just don't feel very comfortable doing it without guidance. :)

Gosok

[Cheers!]

I can give you a hand. Or you can come by and watch me fix the brakes on my rx7. I'm in mississauga. All my rotors and pads should be in by June 15. It will probably take me 1 to 1.5 hours to do all four corners. I don't have any of that fancy lube for the piston seals or such so I'm cutting the corner a bit.

Have all your parts ready (ie rotors / pads) I'm sure you can decide what pads you want by doing a search of the solo1 forum. Buy a can of ABS Safe brake cleaner at canadian tire as well.

[Pete@Marcor]

BTW, why do they sell brake pads in pairs, but the rotors single?

It would be like asking why weiners come in packages of 6, and buns come in packages of 8. :)

I sell parts for a living, and I have no idea.

[Gosok]

Woot! Thanks, we'll be in touch. :)

Gosok

I can give you a hand. Or you can come by and watch me fix the brakes on my rx7. I'm in mississauga. All my rotors and pads should be in by June 15. It will probably take me 1 to 1.5 hours to do all four corners. I don't have any of that fancy lube for the piston seals or such so I'm cutting the corner a bit.

Have all your parts ready (ie rotors / pads) I'm sure you can decide what pads you want by doing a search of the solo1 forum. Buy a can of ABS Safe brake cleaner at canadian tire as well.

[Taylor]

I'm sure it comes down to packaging and marketing.

Rotors are very heavy.

And for typical applications they're more expensive than pads are, so they sound more affordable when split up.

Vehicles also aren't 50/50 weight distribution left to right, so that should put a greater emphasis on one side of the vehicles braking than an other... hrm.. is this possible? Must be... (this would explain the variance in pad (and rotor) wear i've found in street cars from left to right. So since rotors last longer than pads and can be resurfaced, you'll eventually get to a point where one can't be resurfaced anymore and you buy a new one but resurface the other. (or swap them left to right, but then you'd have to swap pads, and some (many?) cars pad applications are actually indexed for the one touching the piston.

Maybe a more logical reason for uneven wear is heat from the sun, driving in one direction for a consistent amount of time? Heats up the rotor and pad on one side more than the other?

[ScotcH]

Dude ... are you really trying to rationalize this???? :p

[Cheers!]

I'm sure it comes down to packaging and marketing.

Rotors are very heavy.

And for typical applications they're more expensive than pads are, so they sound more affordable when split up.

Vehicles also aren't 50/50 weight distribution left to right, so that should put a greater emphasis on one side of the vehicles braking than an other... hrm.. is this possible? Must be... (this would explain the variance in pad (and rotor) wear i've found in street cars from left to right. So since rotors last longer than pads and can be resurfaced, you'll eventually get to a point where one can't be resurfaced anymore and you buy a new one but resurface the other. (or swap them left to right, but then you'd have to swap pads, and some (many?) cars pad applications are actually indexed for the one touching the piston.

Maybe a more logical reason for uneven wear is heat from the sun, driving in one direction for a consistent amount of time? Heats up the rotor and pad on one side more than the other?


Left to right is not 50/50 because Pizza and beer exists

[Gosok]

Woo hoo, I did it! I AM SO PROUD! :)

Gosok