I think I need to replace my front brakes, if so I intend to do this myself. My autoparts store informed me if they are in decient shape toturn them and replace the pucks/pads. How do I inspect the front brakes and what is involed with getting the rotors off and replaceing the pads?

 

Bob:
What year? Honda changed the rotor R&R proceedure several times over the years.

The brake pad inspection question is pretty straight forward.
If you can position yourself where you can see the Pads edge-on:
The friction material should be no thinner the the width of the Pad's Backing plate.
There is also (Or SHOULD be) a wear indicator sensor attached to the pad. As long as it's not touching the rotor, the pad can be used.

P

 

My car is a 1998, with about 80K for miles. I'm reasonable mechanically, I can restore 70's motorcycles as long as can do everything wrong the first time and correct it the second. I say this because I suspect I can follow your directions to inspect the wear. I have not seen an indicator light come on. I think I recall the dealer replaceing my rear brakes at about 35K, he charged me lot of money and I recall thinking the old brakes being a long way from shot. I was also surprised being a motorcyclist that the rear would wear prior to the front. Maybe he did all four. I just do not get the same confidence in the feedback when I use the brakes. Perhaps I should have front end alignment done and see if they say anything about the brakes?
If I do move forward do you suggest turning the rotors vs replaceing them? How are they removed, what is holding them on? Anything I need to worry about changeing pads on an antilock system? Thank you in advance.

 

lucky you, you have the accord that doesnt have the pain in the **** hub over rotor design.

unless you heat warpped the rotor, your oem rotor are very likely can be resurface and reuse. The cheap way to do it is take it off yourself and bring it to the brake shop. The min. surface thickiness is marked on the rotor, if you can't find it for any reason, i have the manual.

was the rear brake cable was lock/seized? 35K is very very bad wear for the rear. 80percent of braking power is done by the front

when i replaced my front pad, all four side of pad have a crack in the middle for some reason.

there's no special step to replace pad on ABS accord, just take off the brake fluid cap and push back the piston with a clamp or piston resetter.
the rear caliper need to be "turn" to reset, you'll see what i mean once you see the marks.

in order to make off the rotor you'll need a impact screwdriver, those oem screw are pretty hard to get off without the proper tool.
they sell impact driver in autozone, less than 20 bucks.
i wouldn't put them back.
and i think there's two more bolt in the back(view from the backside of the dust shield).

if you run into problem, i suppose i can snap some picture for joo.