How to Repair the Disc Brakes on a Honda Element

The Honda Element is a compact crossover SUV that entered the U.S. market in 2002. Like most vehicles, the Element uses disc brakes on the front wheels. This is a type of braking system in which the brake pads are attached to a caliper that pushes the pad against the rotor to slow the vehicle down. Your brake pads wear down over time, becoming less effective at slowing your vehicle. In extreme cases, worn-out brake pads can cause your brakes to fail, so replacing them when needed is an important responsibility.

Instructions

1

Park the Element on flat ground and turn off the engine. Make sure it is in "Park" and engage the emergency brake.

2

Loosen, but do not remove, the lug nuts on the front tires.

3

Jack up the front of the car. Place a jack stand underneath the outer frame on each side, and slowly lower the Element onto the jack stands.

4

Remove the lug nuts from the front tires, and take the tires off the car.

5

Remove the two bolts that hold the brake caliper in place. Lift the caliper off the wheel assembly, taking care not to pull or twist the brake line.

6

Remove the two pad springs that tie the brake pads together.

7

Grab the brake pads and slide them out of the wheel assembly. If you cannot get a grip on them, use a screwdriver to pull them out enough so you can grab them with your fingers.

8

Press the piston back into the rotor. You can use a clamp to do this, or a flat piece of metal such as a screwdriver or pry bar. Do not tear the rubber boot around the piston.

9

Apply brake grease to the anti-squeal plates and place them on the brake pads. The smaller plate goes on the pad with the wear indicator, which is the metal plate that sticks up on one end of the pad.

10

Install the pads onto the wheel assembly in the same position as the old pads you removed. Put the pad with the wear indicator on the back side of the rotor.

11

Install the pad springs by sliding them into the holes on top of the brake pads.

12

Place the brake caliper into position on the wheel hub and secure it with the bolts.

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