Brake Job Inof

[roland13]

Want to change all 4 pads on my 03 Pilot, Any special tools required? I have done brakes before but wanted to make sure I don't any extra funky tools.

Thanks
Eaon

[N_Jay]

If you are just changing pads, they are very easy.

Get Honda pads as they come with the right type of anti-squeal lube.

You will need to re-lube the slide pins, so some good heat resistant molly grease is helpful.

If you plan to pull the rotors to clean them up or replace them, I would get one of the impact screw removers, since the little screw that holds the rotors on tents to be hard to remove.

[roland13]

Thanks for the info

Eaon

[PolishSumgai]

Are front brake pads AND rotors available at parts stores? Is there much of a savings vs going to the dealer for parts?

Any online Honda dealer offer decent discounts for parts - such as rotors and pads?

thanx

[whizmo]

Lots of dealers are online and have significant discounts. Perhaps even the sponsor of this board.

Here's my take on DIY brake jobs:

1. OEM pads give you the best shot at quiet brakes. Some of the cheap brake pads you get at discount auto parts stores (and Ebay) are very poor quality, don't fit very well, and don't include some of the shims, pins, lube, etc. you need to do a good job.
2. Don't turn rotors - just replace if they're badly scored or worn beyond limits.
3. You can typically get two or even three pad changes to a set of rotors.
4. You seldom get equal wear front/rear, so doing each individual axle on it's own can save you some money.

- Mark

[A6Pilot]

Go here for a great how to on replacing you pads and discs.

The search function is your friend.

[StudentPilot]

I just swapped out OEM pads for high-perf green pads from EBC . I have them on another vehicle for two years (see url below) and they grip better than stock pads when combined with ss-braided brake lines and ATE-Super Blue brake-fluid, which I also installed on the Pilot today. The key to squeek-free high-perf pads is to coat the back with an orange-silicone compound. I highly recommend this because it will shorten your stoping distance and take then rubbery feel out of your brake pedal. Hawk also makes very good pads. I have HawkHP on my Z06.

photos here:http://www.z06vette.com/gallery/show...hp?photo=40182

[ctobio]

Are those stainless steel braided brake lines DoT certified?

Stainless braided brake lines are generally not a good idea on a street car. They tend to abrade underneath the braids, and are more prone to sudden failure than the standard lines. Conventional wisdom says to stay away from those.

High perf brake fluid is also not going to do much for you, unless you operate your brakes on the edges of their performance envelope., such as autocrossing. Any performance boost you may see from it is more likely as a result of having fresh, clean, quality brake fluid.

[ctobio]

Originally posted by N_Jay

If you plan to pull the rotors to clean them up or replace them, I would get one of the impact screw removers, since the little screw that holds the rotors on tents to be hard to remove.

When my Pilot was brand new, I pulled all the screws that held the rotors and applied anti-sieze to them. It was easier to take them out with 6,000 miles than with 60,000 miles and a few winters worth of salt.