Replacing Brake Pads

I have a 96 Accord. I have yet to do any car work myself but plan on starting by replacing brake pads and maybe a rotar. I need information on everything after I get the tire off. Some of it I can figure out on my own but I have hit a problem early on. How do I get the caliper off? And if someone could briefly walk me through the process including potential future snags or major no-no's please let me know. Thanks very much, Anodessey

Some things are very easy to do but are hard to explain. I recommend a trip to your local library and look in the reference section for Honda Auto manuals. ?They will tell you everything you need to know and they also have pictures. Responders to this web site like to give advise on those things that are not in the manuals.

I'll do that. Thanks.

After giving the manuals a shot, if you still have questions, come back to the board. We will be happy to help.

O.K., I am well on my way but I hit a snag. I got the caliper, caliper bracket, and brake pads off. The problem is with the rotar. I need to take it off. There appears to be a plate in front of the rotar that is attached by four bolts. I removed the bolts, now the rotar spins freely but i cannot pull it off. The plate, which has bolts sticking out that the tires are attached to with the nuts, will not come off. There is a large bolt in the center of the plate which may be holding it. First of all, should there even be a plate? Secondly, are the plate and bolt connected? And finally, if possible should I just take the huge bolt off? The manual doesnt address this plate or the large bolt. Thanks for your help

the rotor doesn't pop off that way. the rotor is actually held in by the hub. you would have to disassemble the knuckle (the part between the lower and upper control arm; the hub is attached to this) and then drive the hub out before the rotor comes off. see if a local part store like auto zone if they rent out a hub remover tool kit. you have to becareful not to score the surface the hub mates to. if you are not able to get ahold of the tool. call a local mech shop and ask them how much it would be to drive out and reinstall the hubs if you brought in the just the knuckles.

if you would like to do it yourself w/out the hub kit...you will need to purchase a socket that's just a bit smaller than the hub in diameter. center the socket w/ the hub and w/ a hammer...give it one good hit. recenter the socket and repeat until complete driven out.

like mpumas said...it's easier done than it is to explain. you may want to google it and see if you can find illustrations. best bet if you don't wanna try this on your own is to go ahead and remove both knuckles and just have a shop do it. shouldn't take them too long if the shop has the right tools.