How to Replace Rear Brakes 03-11 Honda Element

Difficulty: Advanced · About 90 min · Honda Element

Replace the rear brake pads and rotors on a 2003–2011 Honda Element by supporting the vehicle, adjusting the parking-brake shoes at the new rotor, and verifying a firm pedal.

Steps

1. Raise the vehicle and remove the wheel

   Chock the front wheels, loosen the rear lug nuts slightly, and raise the vehicle at approved lift points. Support it on jack stands before removing the wheel.

2. Remove the caliper and rotor

   Check that the bleeder screw can be opened before compressing the piston. Remove the caliper slider bolts, support the caliper without straining its hose, and retract the piston with the bleeder open as appropriate. Remove the caliper bracket and rotor retaining screws, then remove the rotor.

3. Prepare the hub, rotor, and pad slides

   Clean the hub and rotor surfaces and transfer the parking-brake access boot to the new rotor. Clean the pad hardware and caliper sliders, then apply brake-compatible grease to their contact points. Install the rotor and align its access hole with the parking-brake adjuster.

4. Adjust the parking brake and install pads

   Adjust the parking-brake shoes through the rotor access opening until the rotor turns with a light, even drag, then refit the access boot. Reinstall the caliper bracket and tighten its bolts to the vehicle's specification. Fit the new pads and caliper, tightening the slider bolts to specification.

5. Bleed and verify the rear brakes

   Open the bleeder and remove air until a steady stream of fluid appears, then close it. Pump the pedal until firm and check the reservoir level. Reinstall the wheel, lower the vehicle, and torque the lug nuts to the vehicle's specification before a cautious low-speed brake test.

Check your vehicle’s repair manual for exact specifications and fit.