Introduction
Replacing the rear brakes on your 2012 Honda Accord is an essential maintenance task to ensure optimal safety and performance. Over time, brake pads wear down and need to be replaced to maintain proper braking functionality. In this article, we will guide you through the process of replacing the rear brakes on your Honda Accord, providing you with step-by-step instructions and helpful tips.
Gather the Necessary Tools and Materials
Before you begin the rear brake replacement process, gather all the required tools and materials. You will need a lug wrench, a jack, jack stands, a C-clamp, a brake piston tool, a small wire brush, brake cleaner, a torque wrench, new brake pads, and brake grease.
Step 1: Prepare the Vehicle
Park your Honda Accord on a level surface and engage the parking brake. Loosen the lug nuts on the rear wheels using the lug wrench. Once loosened, raise the rear of the vehicle using a jack and secure it with jack stands.
Step 2: Remove the Rear Wheel
Using the lug wrench, remove the lug nuts and take off the rear wheel. Set it aside in a safe place.
Step 3: Remove the Caliper
Locate the caliper, which is the housing that holds the brake pads. Remove the caliper bolts using a socket wrench and slide the caliper off the rotor. Hang the caliper using a wire or bungee cord to prevent any strain on the brake line.
Step 4: Replace the Brake Pads
Take out the old brake pads from the caliper bracket. Use a small wire brush to clean the bracket, removing any dirt or debris. Apply brake grease to the back of the new brake pads and insert them into the bracket.
Step 5: Compress the Brake Piston
Using a C-clamp and a brake piston tool, compress the brake piston back into the caliper. This step is necessary to make room for the new, thicker brake pads.
Step 6: Reinstall the Caliper
Slide the caliper back onto the rotor and tighten the caliper bolts using a torque wrench. Ensure the bolts are tightened to the manufacturer’s specifications.
Step 7: Reinstall the Rear Wheel
Put the rear wheel back onto the wheel hub and hand-tighten the lug nuts. Lower the vehicle slowly using the jack and remove the jack stands. Finally, tighten the lug nuts using the lug wrench.
Step 8: Repeat the Process
Repeat steps 2 to 7 for the other rear wheel of your Honda Accord.
Conclusion
By following these steps, you can successfully replace the rear brakes on your 2012 Honda Accord. Regularly maintaining your vehicle’s brakes is crucial for your safety on the road. If you are unsure about performing this task yourself, it is recommended to consult a professional mechanic.