Replacing 2007 Front Brake Pads

9378 Views 5 Replies 6 Participants Last post by SteveAlaska, May 2, 2012

Pep345

Discussion Starter · Nov 29, 2011

Hello

I have a 2007 Odyssey EX-L and the dealership said the front brake pads need replaced and would do for 200.00. I think this is something I can do myself. I was wondering when the dealer says they are replacing front pads, do they turn rotors? If so, do I need to have the rotors turned if I replace the brake pads? Also I saw the link for the DIY thread but now I can find the pics on compressing the pistons on the slide caliper. From what I saw I am guessing when you compress the caliper piston you place the caliper back over the break pads and release the tool you are using to compress the piston and the caliper pops back into place. Any advice would be great. Thank you.

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OdyProspect

· #2 · Nov 29, 2011

Caliper piston when pushed in does not "pop" back. When you press them in you have hopefully opened the bleeders forcing old brake fluid out into a container. There is no pressure to push on the pads until the brake pedal is pushed. Using this method you have to top off the fluid in the master cylinder but it's better because you are replacing the most worn fluid and adding new. I prefer to completely bleed with the pad change.

If your rotors are undamaged and the brakes work smoothly then turning the rotors is not needed.

Get a quality ceramic pad. I like the Akebono Proact, others have had good success with the Centric Premium. The Honda OEM are not that great.

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72triple

· #3 · Nov 29, 2011

Take the caliper off the spindle. Open the master cylinder lid and remove a small portion of the brake fluid. A turkey baster (never to be used again for food preparation), syringe, Mity Vac, etc) will take out a few ounces. Leave the old pads in the caliper and compress the pistons back into the caliper with a tool of your choice (c-clamp, vise grips, etc) against the old pads.

Pressing the pistons back into he caliper will displace the brake fluid behind them which is why you created empty space in your master cylinder by removing some brake fluid before you pressed the pistons back into the caliper.

Now is a good time to service your caliper slider pins. Remove them from the caliper, clean out the pin wells in the caliper (brake parts cleaner and a handful of Q-Tips works well here) and the pins, relube everything with synthitic brake grease and reassemble. Fit your new pads in the caliper and mount the caliper. This all assumes your rotors are within serivce limits and/or are not warped.

Repeat the same process for the other wheel. Top off your master cylinder with brake fluid. Remember to pump the brake pedal several time during the first braking cycle as you have to pump enough brake fluid to the pistons to make them move. Otherwise you will have the sensation of no brakes until the fluid is redistributed. Again top off the master cylinder and go bed in your new pads and enjoy.

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6-Speed

· #4 · Nov 30, 2011

You can also use a caliper tool to reset the pistons. Many auto parts stores will loan out such tools to customers. I purchased this one from Harbor Freight Tools and use the floating head for Honda brakes.

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schafari

· #5 · Nov 30, 2011

Many times, you can also use a simple c clamp with a piece of wood to compress the front caliper pistons back in. (Not so with the rear) I replace the rotors when I do the pads. If you don't replace the rotors, or at least turn the rotors (which you can take to an auto parts store and they typically will turn them for $10) you will have quick pad wear and likely noise, let alone reduced braking efficency for some time.

New rotors are cheap and provide the best work standard. Not to mention, the front Ody rotors are not unkown to warp. Since you have it all apart anyhow, it is a simple 5 more minutes to replace the rotors with new ones.

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SteveAlaska

· #6 · May 2, 2012

Hello. I just signed up and I must say Im really enjoying the posts and oceans of info all over this forum. I just purchased some Akebono pads and Centric rotors for my 07 Ody. It shakes ridiculous when the brakes are applied and when I had the new rubber put on, my local dealer recommended I get the brakes done. I passed when I they told me how much they wanted to do the job. lol Can't blame them though, why not try to get some extra cash when the wheels are off anyway. So I am finally getting around to the job.
Thank you to all who have shared their recommendations of what pads and rotors are best. I even took someone's advice on picking up a manual from Helminc. for only $56 + handling. I know it will come in handy for the brake job and for future tinkering. : )

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