How to Change 1998 Honda Accord Rear Disc Brakes

The sixth generation of Honda accord sedans and wagons were equipped with four wheel anti-lock disc brakes. Previous models were fitted with the rear drum brakes, but the 1998 Honda Accord employed safety features regarding braking that were previously reserved for more expensive vehicles. The rear disc brakes endure less wear and tear than the front brakes, so maintenance is required less frequently; however, the rear brakes are every bit as important to the overall performance of the Honda Accord braking system.

Things You'll Need

  • Jack
  • Jack stands
  • Lug wrench
  • Chain lubricant
  • 13mm socket
  • Ratchet
  • Flat screwdriver
  • 15mm socket
  • Phillips-head screwdriver
  • Brake cleaner spray
  • Rotor
  • Brake pads
  • Clean towel
  • Jack the Accord up and place jack stands beneath the frame at the rear of the vehicle.

  • Remove the lug nuts with the lug wrench and pull the back wheels from the wheel bolts.

  • Spray the entire brake assembly with lubricant.

  • Remove the caliper bolts with the 13mm socket and ratchet. The two caliper bolts are located on the back side of the caliper, near the edges of the caliper.

  • Pull the caliper from the caliper bridge and brake pads. Rest the caliper on an idle jack stand or some other prop to prevent damaging the brake line with the weight of a hanging caliper.

  • Remove the brake pads from the slots in the caliper bridge. Pull the pads from the rotor; use a flat screwdriver to pry the brake pads loose if necessary.

  • Remove the caliper bridge bolts with the 15mm socket and ratchet and pull the bridge from the rotor.

  • Remove the two screws on the outward facing surface of the rotor with a Phillips-head screwdriver. Pull the rotor from the wheel bolts.

  • Spray the new rotor with brake cleaner and wipe the excess cleaner and packing oil from the disc. Place the rotor onto the wheel bolts and screw in the two screws that were removed from the old rotor.

  • Return the caliper bridge and screw on the bolts (15mm socket).

  • Place the new brake pads into the slots of the caliper bridge, on either side of the brake rotor.

  • Rotate the caliper piston clockwise, opening the piston fully to receive the bulkier brake pads. The caliper piston is the metal cylinder that protrudes from the inside of the caliper to squeeze the brake pads against the rotor during braking. Place the caliper over the new pads and into the caliper bridge. Replace the caliper bolts and screw them in with the socket (13mm) and ratchet.

  • Place the wheels onto the wheel bolts and screw on the lug nuts. Lift the Accord with the jack to remove the jack stands before lowering the Honda to the ground.

  • Tighten the lug nuts with the lug wrench.