Front Brake Pad Inspection and Replacement: Replacement

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2013 Acura MDX, 2012 Acura MDX, 2011 Acura MDX, and 2010 Acura MDX. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

Remove some brake fluid from the master cylinder.
Raise and support the vehicle (see LIFT AND SUPPORT POINTS ).
Remove the front wheels.
Remove the flange bolt (A), and pivot the caliper (B) up out of the way. Check the hose and the pin boots for damage and deterioration.

Fig 1: Identifying Pivot Caliper And Flange Bolt
Courtesy of AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR CO., INC.
Remove the pad shims (A) and brake pads (B).

Fig 2: Identifying Pad Shims And Brake Pads
Courtesy of AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR CO., INC.
Remove the upper and lower pad retainers (A).
NOTE: The upper and lower pad retainers are different. During installation, make sure the pad retainers are in proper positions.

Fig 3: Identifying Upper And Lower Pad Retainers
Courtesy of AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR CO., INC.
Clean the caliper bracket (B) thoroughly; remove any rust, and check for grooves and cracks.
Verify that the caliper pins (C) move in and out smoothly. Clean and lube if needed.
Inspect the brake disc, for runout, thickness, parallelism (see FRONT BRAKE DISC INSPECTION ) and check for damage and cracks.
Apply a thin coat of M-77 assembly paste (P/N 08798-9010) to the retainer mating surface of the caliper bracket (indicated by the arrows and shaded area).
Install the pad retainers. Wipe off excess assembly paste the retainers. Keep the assembly paste away from the brake disc and the brake pads.
Install the brake caliper piston compressor tool (A) on the caliper body (B).

Fig 4: Installing Brake Caliper Piston Compressor Tool On Caliper Body
Courtesy of AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR CO., INC.
Press in the piston with the brake caliper piston compressor tool so the caliper will fit over the brake pads. Make sure the piston boot is in position to prevent damaging it when pivoting the caliper down.
NOTE: Be careful when pressing in the piston; brake fluid might overflow from the master cylinder's reservoir. If brake fluid gets on any painted surface, wash it off immediately with water.
Remove the brake caliper piston compressor tool.
Apply a thin coat of M-77 assembly paste (P/N 08798-9010) to the pad side of the shims (A), the back of the brake pads (B), and the other areas indicated by the arrows. Wipe excess assembly paste off the pad shims and brake pads. Contaminated brake discs or brake pads reduce stopping ability. Keep grease and assembly paste off the brake discs and brake pads.

Fig 5: Identifying Thin Coat Applying Areas Of Shims And Brake Pads
Courtesy of AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR CO., INC.
Install the brake pads and pad shims correctly. Install the brake pad with the wear indicator (C) on the upper inside. If you are reusing the brake pads, always reinstall the brake pads in their original positions to prevent a temporary loss of braking efficiency.
Pivot the caliper down into position. Install the flange bolt (A), and tighten it to the specified torque.

Fig 6: Installing Flange Bolt
Courtesy of AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR CO., INC.
Clean the mating surfaces between the brake disc and the inside of the wheel, then install the front wheels.
Press the brake pedal several times to make sure the brakes work.
NOTE: Engagement may require a greater pedal stroke immediately after the brake pads have been replaced as a set. Several applications of the brake pedal will restore the normal pedal stroke.
Add brake fluid as needed.
After installation, check for leaks at hose and line joints or connections, and retighten if necessary. Test-drive the vehicle, then recheck for leaks (see BRAKE HOSE AND LINE INSPECTION ).