How to Change the Brake Pads on a 1998 Honda Accord

Introduction

• Presenter: Tool Dude Tony
• Topic: Replacing brake pads on a 1998 Honda Accord LX model (4-cylinder)
• Audience: DIY enthusiasts who want to perform car maintenance at home.

Tools Needed

• Car jack or floor stand jacks
• Spray brake cleaner
• C-clamp
• Multi-purpose grease or small tube of brake grease
• 17 mm socket wrench
• Tire iron
• New brake pads
• Brake grease for the back of the pads

Procedure

1. Prepare the Vehicle

• Use the tire iron to remove the wheel.
• Turn the steering wheel towards the brake being worked on (left for left side, right for right side).

2. Brake System Anatomy Overview

• Rotor: Component that turns with the wheel and is contacted by brake pads to stop the car.
• Caliper: Holder for the brake pads; needs to be removed and greased.

3. Removing the Old Brake Pads

• Use the 17 mm socket wrench to remove the bottom bolt of the caliper.
• Flip open the caliper to expose the brake pads.
• Pull out the old brake pads by grabbing and pulling them back from the top.

4. Inspect the Brake Pads and Rotors

• Wear Indicator: Metal clip on the pad that makes noise when pads are worn out.
• Check the rotor for grooves; if grooved, consider replacing or turning it.
• Clean with brake cleaner.

5. Installing the New Brake Pads

• Apply brake grease to the back of the new pads.
• Place the new pads into the caliper, making sure the pad with the wear indicator faces inwards.
• Ensure pads are positioned close to the rotor.

6. Resetting the Caliper Piston

• Use a C-clamp and old brake pad to depress the caliper piston fully.
• Flip the caliper down over the new brake pads.
• Reinsert and grease the bottom bolt before tightening it.

7. Reassemble and Test

• Turn the steering wheel back to the original position.
• Reattach the wheel and ensure it is secure.
• Perform a break-in process by gradually increasing speed and braking multiple times, starting from 5 mph up to 60 mph.

Conclusion

• Final Remarks: Tool Dude Tony encourages DIY car maintenance as a cost-saving practice.
• Emphasizes the ease of replacing brake pads, comparing it to changing oil.
• Musical outro and motivational message: "If you’re not fixing it yourself, you’re paying someone else to fix it."