I am trying to do front brake pads and rotors on a 97 Accord for a friend.

Problem #1, I can't get the bolt that holds the hub on to break loose. Does this have regular threads, or are they maybe reverse thread? I see the locking tab on the nut, so I'm ASSuming that it's threaded normal?

Question #2, once I get that bolt off, and the 4 bolts holding the rotor to the hub, will the hub come off at that point? The instructions on AutoZone's web site make it sound like you have to remove the entire knuckle/hub assembly? Say it ain't so!

Question #3, I've seen somewhere that you "might" have to replace the wheel bearing? AutoZone lists those for $43 each, is that right? Do we need to go ahead and buy 2 of them? How do I know if we have to replace them or not?

This is a crazy amount of work to replace rotors! I've done brake work on a lot of cars, but never seen anything quite like this...

Thanks for the help!

Jeff

 

I am new to Honda maintenance myself but I have a couple of books. First, I don't think you have to remove the center nut. Its 181 ft/lbs by the way. Are there a couple of flat head screws between the lugs? According to both of my books (They are 98') there are merely a couple of screws holding the rotor in place. You might need to run a couple of bolts inthe holes and walk the rotor off.Everthing else about the wheels is indeed involved and doesn't look like fun. Good Luck

 

welcome to the forum, will try to answer your questions.1. the nut on the hub takes a 24in breaker bar, with a 32mm ( last I remember) 1/2 in socket, and a 4-5 ft cheater bar to break the torque.and yes regular threads, lefty loosy, righty tighty. 2.yes it is so, therotor is secured on the back with 4 thorx type bolts to the hub.( 6 on a 90 accord ) 3. I did not have to replace the my wheel bearing. If you have high milage, or the bearing is making a lot of noise, or the bearing is dry and rusted. 4. Yes it is alot of work.

 

Thanks 98Accord, but apparently the 96 and 97 are a completely different design... the rotor is behind the hub, so you have to remove the entire hub assembly to get the rotor off.

acmech52 - thanks, that's what I was afraid of. Much as I hated to do it, I just threw the new pads on it and sent her to a shop to have the rotors installed.

Appreciate the help everybody!

Jeff

 

wise decision, it is a time consuming job even when done often.