2017 Honda Hrv Rear Brake Pad Replacement
Alright, so you're tackling a rear brake pad replacement on your 2017 Honda HR-V. Good choice – it's a manageable job for the experienced DIYer, saves you some cash, and gives you a better understanding of your vehicle's mechanics. This guide will walk you through the process step-by-step. We'll assume you've already got the necessary tools and supplies. If not, check the list at the end – having everything ready before you start is crucial.
Safety First!
Before we even touch a wrench, let's talk safety. Brakes are critical components, so shortcuts are out of the question. Never work under a vehicle supported only by a jack. Always use jack stands. And, of course, wear appropriate safety glasses and gloves. Brake dust contains potentially harmful materials.
Tools and Supplies You'll Need
Here’s a comprehensive list. Having everything ready will make the job significantly smoother:
- New rear brake pads (make sure they're the correct ones for your 2017 HR-V)
- Jack and jack stands
- Wheel chocks
- Lug wrench
- Socket set (metric)
- Wrench set (metric)
- Brake caliper tool (specific for retracting the rear caliper piston – more on this later)
- Brake cleaner
- C-clamp (optional, for stubborn piston retraction but the caliper tool is preferable)
- Turkey baster or syringe
- New brake fluid (DOT 3 or DOT 4 – check your owner's manual)
- Torque wrench
- Gloves
- Safety glasses
- Penetrating oil (like WD-40)
- Wire brush
- Rags or paper towels
- Brake grease/lube
Step-by-Step Procedure
1. Preparation
* Park the vehicle on a level surface, engage the parking brake (emergency brake), and chock the front wheels. * Loosen the lug nuts on the rear wheels before lifting the vehicle. This makes removal much easier. Don't remove them completely, just break them free.
2. Lifting and Securing the Vehicle
* Consult your owner's manual for the correct jacking points. Position the jack and carefully lift the vehicle. * Place jack stands securely under the frame or designated support points. Never work under a vehicle supported only by a jack. Lower the vehicle onto the jack stands, ensuring they are stable. * Now, fully remove the lug nuts and take off the rear wheels.
3. Inspecting the Brake System
* Before diving into the pad replacement, take a good look at the entire brake system. Check the brake lines for any leaks or damage. Inspect the rotor surface for scoring, cracks, or excessive wear. If the rotors are severely damaged, they'll need to be resurfaced or replaced. It's best to address rotor issues at the same time as the pad replacement to ensure optimal braking performance. Also, carefully examine the brake hoses for cracks or bulges. Any problems here mean you need to replace the hose.
4. Retracting the Caliper Piston
This is where things get a little different compared to front brakes. Rear brake calipers on many vehicles, including the 2017 HR-V, use a parking brake mechanism integrated into the piston. This means you can’t just push the piston straight back in. You need to rotate it while applying pressure. Using the correct brake caliper tool is absolutely essential here.
* Reservoir Check: Before retracting the piston, open the brake fluid reservoir cap under the hood. Monitor the fluid level as you retract the piston. As the piston goes back, fluid will be pushed back up into the reservoir. Be ready to remove fluid with a turkey baster or syringe to prevent overflow. Brake fluid is corrosive, so avoid spilling it on painted surfaces. * Position the brake caliper tool. This tool typically has a rotating plate with various pins that fit into notches on the caliper piston. * Apply pressure and turn the tool's handle to rotate the piston clockwise (on most HR-V models) while simultaneously pushing it back into the caliper. It should move slowly but steadily. If it's too difficult, double-check that you're rotating it in the correct direction. Forcing it can damage the caliper and its parking brake mechanism. * Continue retracting the piston until it's flush with the caliper body or until you have enough clearance to install the new, thicker brake pads.
If you don't have a caliper tool, and you're *extremely* careful, you *might* be able to use a C-clamp and pliers. Place the C-clamp on the outside of the caliper, with the clamp screw resting on the piston. Use pliers to carefully rotate the piston while tightening the clamp. However, this method carries a significant risk of damaging the piston or caliper, so we highly recommend using the correct tool.
5. Removing the Old Brake Pads
* Locate and remove the caliper bolts. These are usually on the back of the caliper. You might need a wrench to hold one side while loosening the other. Once the bolts are out, carefully slide the caliper off the rotor. * With the caliper removed, the old brake pads should now be accessible. They're usually held in place by clips or shims. Note how the pads are oriented before removing them. This will help you install the new pads correctly. * Remove any shims or clips from the old pads. These might be reusable with the new pads. Clean them with a wire brush and apply a small amount of brake grease to the contact points. This helps prevent squealing.
6. Installing the New Brake Pads
* Install the shims and clips onto the new brake pads. * Apply a thin layer of brake grease to the backing plate of the brake pads, where they contact the caliper and the piston. Again, this helps prevent squealing. Avoid getting grease on the friction surface of the pads. * Slide the new brake pads into the caliper bracket. Ensure they are seated correctly and securely.
7. Reassembling the Caliper
* Carefully slide the caliper back over the rotor and the new brake pads. Make sure the pads are aligned correctly with the rotor surface. * Reinstall the caliper bolts and tighten them to the manufacturer's specified torque (consult your service manual). Using a torque wrench is crucial here to ensure the bolts are neither too loose nor too tight.
8. Repeat on the Other Side
Repeat steps 4 through 7 on the other rear wheel.
9. Bleeding the Brakes (if necessary)
If you've had to add fluid to the brake reservoir, or if you accidentally introduced air into the system, you'll need to bleed the brakes. This is a separate process and requires a helper. Consult a dedicated guide on bleeding brakes if needed.
10. Final Checks and Adjustments
* Before putting the wheels back on, double-check that everything is properly installed and tightened. * Pump the brake pedal several times to seat the pads against the rotors. You should feel the pedal firm up. * Check the brake fluid level in the reservoir and top it off if necessary.
11. Reinstalling the Wheels
* Carefully reinstall the wheels. * Hand-tighten the lug nuts in a star pattern. * Lower the vehicle to the ground. * Use a torque wrench to tighten the lug nuts to the manufacturer's specified torque. Again, follow a star pattern.
12. Test Drive
* Before driving in traffic, perform a test drive in a safe area. Gently apply the brakes to ensure they are working properly. Listen for any unusual noises. * Be aware that new brake pads need to be bedded in. This means avoiding hard braking for the first few hundred miles. This allows the pads to properly mate with the rotors and achieve optimal braking performance.
Troubleshooting Tips
* Difficulty retracting the piston: Make sure you're using the correct caliper tool and rotating the piston in the correct direction. If it's still difficult, apply some penetrating oil to the piston threads and try again. * Squealing brakes: This is often caused by vibration between the brake pads and the caliper. Make sure you've applied brake grease to the appropriate contact points. * Spongy brake pedal: This could indicate air in the brake lines. Bleed the brakes if necessary.
That covers the process of replacing your rear brake pads on your 2017 Honda HR-V. Remember, safety is paramount, and if you're unsure about any step, consult a qualified mechanic. Good luck!