So I was replacing (or at least trying to replace) the brake pads on my gf's 2003 Accord. It is an auto V6 LX Coupe. Purchased the OEM pads, and they do not fit in the caliper. The parts guy at the Honda dealer could only guess that the calipers had been replaced, but that seems wrong to me.

The OEM pads were the correct part number(45022-SDB-A10), even when checked by VIN. The slot on the caliper that the pad fits into was far too small for the pads.

Any chance that there were two different front braking systems on this year of Accord? I just can't imagine that the calipers were replaced before she bought it, since it was still under factory warranty when it was purchased.

Thanks, Chris

 

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If the car has been driven on road salts, etc, I guess it could be rust buildup under the end clips. How tight were the old pads?

 

The old ones weren't tight at all. Slid right out, and went back in with no problem. The difference was a good 1/4 inch in material that fit in the groove.

 

Pics?

V6 and I4 are different.

 

If you put the new and old pads back to back, they are that much larger, I think you have different callipers from a stock LX V6 Coupe. The part # checks out, unless they had the wrong pads in the box. You sure it's an 03 LX V6 Coupe?

 

Seems like I also remember that there were slight differences in the calipers depending on if your Accord was a US manufactured (1HG) or Japan (J) manufactured. There is even different part numbers for the calipers.

 

Seems that it is an EX not an LX. Would that be the difference?

 

I don't think EX vs LX would make a difference. If it's a six speed, the part number would be 45022-SEA-J11, but the pads would probably be too small in that case.

Just to clarify, you are saying the pads will not fit into the calliper, not that they are too thick to go over the rotor, right? The new pads will be thicker, so you have to push the piston in, for the pads to fit over the rotor.

 

Speaking about brake pads, where can I find larger rotors for my 03 accord sedan. I have 20" wheels and my current ones look harid!

 

That's pretty common actually. I had to grind a bit off every new set of pads installed for those Accords when I worked at Honda. Take the bracket the holds the pads off as well and clean the anti-rattle clips up with a wire wheel, grind the pads till they slide in out eaily and lubricated the clips with a little neverseize or brake lube.

 

Go to http://www.hondaautomotiveparts.com/...artsSearch.jsp and put in the VIN to see what parts number shows up. This should confirm that you have the correct parts for you car.