changing rear pads 94 accord

[budster2]

Any trick to changing the rear brake pads on a 94 Accord?? Seems different from the front ones- something about rotating the piston-- thanks

[jeffcoslacker]

I can't remember exactly how those look, but yeah, in general with rear disc brakes the piston has to be "screwed" back into position, it can't be pushed back. This is due to how the parking brake is tied into it. You'll probably need the tool for it, you can get one fairly cheap (about $10) at AZ or wherever, it's a little metal "cube" with different fetures on each side for different types. It goes on a socket wrench and allows you to wind them in easily.

Clean the exposed piston and dust boot with some WD-40 or brake cleaner before you start winding them in, so you aren't forcing gritty crud back into the threads or bore. Make sure the dust boot isn't stuck to the piston, or it will twist up and tear as you rotate the piston. Pull it up outta the channel it where it seats on the piston and clean around there so it can move freely.

Watch carefully as you turn them to be sure they are going in, not out. Go too far out and the piston will fall out, and you will hate yourself for some time.

Other than that, it's the same as regular disc brakes. Make sure your slide points are lubed so it doesn't seize.

[mpumas]

Is WD40 compatible with brake fluid/rubber? I thought it has a oil/petroleum base.

[jeffcoslacker]

Originally Posted by mpumas

Is WD40 compatible with brake fluid/rubber? I thought it has a oil/petroleum base.

Technically speaking, I don't know. But I've used it forever now on brake (external) components, I wouldn't use it in a place where brake fluid would be present. The harshest stuff in WD is so volatile, it's almost instantly gone after application. I've used it a lot like working with neglected motorcycle brake calipers that have seized, and I like it for tire mounting/dismount. Makes things glide on easily, with less stress to the beads, and keeps the bead/rim seal free of corrosion and leaks, without harming the rubber or the metal. Most shops use a water-based bead lubricant product that is about the worst thing you could put between rubber and metal.

I've heard people say that WD-40 is bad for rubber, but you couldn't prove it by me. I've used it on just about anything you can think of at one point or another, and have yet to see it harm anything.

[budster2]

Originally Posted by budster2

Any trick to changing the rear brake pads on a 94 Accord?? Seems different from the front ones- something about rotating the piston-- thanks

Thanks for the quick reply - now one(2) other question--- do I have to remove the center wheel cap - and are any bearings involved in this procedure?? thanks again