The 1987 Honda Accord uses a hydraulic braking system. When the brake pedal is pressed, fluid is sent down from the master cylinder to the calipers. The fluid forces the caliper to close, applying pressure on the rotor. The brake pads are made of a composite material that can withstand high heat and is capable of applying the required pressure without breaking down or wearing out too often. Replace the brake pads when they start getting thin.
Tools Used: Tire tool, Jack, Jack stands, Socket wrench, Socket set, C-clamp, New brake pads
Replace Front Brakes
Raising the Car
Chock the back wheels to prevent the car from rolling back. Set the parking brake.
Loosen the driver and passenger front wheel lug nuts with a tire tool. This will make removing the wheels easier once the wheels are off the ground.
Place a jack under the front cross member. Raise the car high enough to place jack stands under the car.
Place the jack stands under the pinch points. The pinch points are the designated areas for a jack. They are located at the most forward portion of the door. Lower the car onto the jack stands.
Remove the driver- and passenger-side wheels. Remove the lug nuts with a tire tool.
Changing Out the Brake Pads
Locate the calipers above the rotor. The rotor is the shiny disc-shaped piece to which the wheel was mounted. The calipers are mounted at the top of the rotor.
Unbolt the caliper with a socket wrench. The two bolts are in the back of the caliper. One will be toward the top and one toward the bottom of the caliper. Pull the caliper off the rotor.
Pull the brake pads out of the caliper. There will be two pads resting in the caliper.
Insert an old brake pad back to the inside of the caliper. Place a C-clamp around the brake caliper so that the screw end of the C-clamp pushes against the pad. Tighten the C-clamp until the piston is flush back in to the caliper. The C-clamp will not tighten any more. The new pads will not fit unless the piston is pushed back in.
Position the new pads on the caliper. Ensure the larger pad is on the back of the caliper. The pads will lock in place.
Place the caliper over the rotor. Tighten the bolts to secure the caliper in place.
Tighten the driver-side wheel back onto the axle. Ensure the lug nuts are tight.
Repeat the steps to change the passenger-side brake pads. Pump the brake pedal once the pads are changed to circulate the brake fluid and stiffen the brake pedal.
Raise the car up to remove the jack stands. Lower the car to the ground.
Tips & Warnings
The new brake pads can be purchased at any local automotive-parts store.
Always perform an inspection of your brake system when the wheel is off. Feel the rotor for any warps or grooves, check the brake lines for any wear or tear. Replace any faulty components.
Use caution when working under the car. Always chock the back wheel and ensure the parking brake is set.
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