2019 Honda Accord Rear Brake Pad Replacement

Brake maintenance is one of those crucial tasks that every car owner faces. It’s not just about keeping your ride smooth; it’s about keeping you, your passengers, and everyone else on the road safe. For many 2019 Honda Accord owners, the time eventually comes for a rear brake pad replacement.

Feeling a bit intimidated by the thought of tackling this yourself? You’re not alone. Many DIY mechanics and everyday drivers wonder if they have what it takes. But here’s the good news: with the right tools, a clear guide, and a focus on safety, performing a 2019 Honda Accord rear brake pad replacement is absolutely within your grasp.

At FatBoysOffroad, we’re all about empowering you to take control of your vehicle’s maintenance. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll walk you through every step, from gathering your parts to the crucial post-installation checks. We’ll share expert tips, highlight common pitfalls, and ensure you finish the job with confidence, knowing your Accord’s stopping power is back to peak performance. Let’s get those brakes sorted!

Why Your 2019 Honda Accord Needs Rear Brake Pad Replacement Now

Ignoring worn brake pads isn’t just a minor oversight; it’s a significant safety risk. Understanding the signs and benefits of timely maintenance is key to keeping your 2019 Honda Accord running safely and efficiently.

Recognizing the Signs of Worn Pads

Your Accord usually gives you clear warnings when its rear brake pads are nearing the end of their life. Paying attention to these signals can save you from more costly repairs down the line.

Squealing or Chirping: This is often the first sign, caused by small metal wear indicators built into the pads. They make contact with the rotor when the pad material gets low.
Grinding Noise: A much more serious sound, indicating that the pad material is completely gone, and you’re hearing metal-on-metal contact. This can quickly damage your brake rotors.
Reduced Braking Performance: If your car takes longer to stop, or the brake pedal feels spongy, your pads might be severely worn, or you could have other brake system issues.
Vibration: Pulsations through the brake pedal can indicate warped rotors, often a consequence of severely worn pads generating excessive heat.
Visual Inspection: The most straightforward method. Look through your wheel spokes (or remove the wheel for a better view) to check the thickness of the brake pad material. If it’s less than 3mm, it’s time for a change.

Benefits of Timely 2019 Honda Accord Rear Brake Pad Replacement

Proactive maintenance brings a host of advantages, far beyond just silencing an annoying squeal. The benefits of 2019 Honda Accord rear brake pad replacement extend to safety, performance, and your wallet.

Enhanced Safety: Fresh pads ensure optimal stopping power, which is paramount in emergency situations. This is the primary reason to address worn brakes promptly.
Improved Braking Performance: You’ll experience a firmer pedal feel and more consistent, reliable stops. Your Accord will brake like new again.
Prevent Costlier Repairs: Replacing pads before they wear down to the metal protects your brake rotors, calipers, and other components from damage. Metal-on-metal grinding often necessitates rotor replacement, which is more expensive.
Smoother, Quieter Ride: Say goodbye to those embarrassing squeals and grinding noises. New pads mean a quieter and more comfortable driving experience.
Increased Component Longevity: Proper brake function reduces stress on your entire braking system, extending the life of calipers, brake lines, and even wheel bearings.

Essential Tools & Parts for a Smooth 2019 Honda Accord Rear Brake Pad Replacement

Before you even think about jacking up your Accord, having the right arsenal of parts and tools is critical. A well-prepared workspace makes the job safer, faster, and much less frustrating. This section will guide you through gathering everything you need for a successful 2019 Honda Accord rear brake pad replacement.

The Right Parts Make All the Difference

Choosing quality components for your 2019 Honda Accord rear brake pad replacement is just as important as the installation process itself. Don’t skimp on these critical safety items.

New Rear Brake Pads: This is obvious, but consider your options.
- OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer): Designed specifically for your Accord, ensuring perfect fit and performance.
- Aftermarket: Many reputable brands offer excellent alternatives. Look for ceramic or semi-metallic pads. Ceramic pads typically offer quieter operation and less dust, while semi-metallic can provide stronger initial bite. Choose what suits your driving style.
New Brake Rotors (Optional but Recommended): While you might be able to get away with just pads, we highly recommend replacing rotors too, especially if they show significant wear, grooves, or are below the minimum thickness specification. New pads on old, grooved rotors can lead to premature wear and noise.
Brake Fluid: Have a fresh bottle of DOT3 or DOT4 brake fluid on hand. You might need to top off your reservoir or bleed the system if you encounter issues.
Brake Cleaner: Essential for cleaning caliper components and new rotors before installation.
Brake Grease/Lubricant: High-temperature silicone-based brake grease is vital for caliper guide pins and pad shims to prevent squealing and ensure smooth operation.

Must-Have Tools for the Job

Having the correct tools on hand will make your 2019 Honda Accord rear brake pad replacement go smoothly. Don’t start without these!

Hydraulic Jack: To lift the vehicle safely.
Jack Stands (2): Absolutely essential for safety. Never work under a vehicle supported only by a jack.
Wheel Chocks: To prevent the car from rolling.
Lug Wrench or Breaker Bar with Socket: To remove lug nuts (typically 19mm or 22mm for Honda).
Socket Wrench Set: You’ll need sockets for the caliper bolts (often 12mm, 14mm, or 17mm, check your manual or confirm visually).
Torque Wrench: Crucial for tightening lug nuts and caliper bolts to factory specifications, preventing overtightening or undertightening.
C-Clamp or Brake Caliper Piston Compression Tool: This is a must-have for compressing the caliper piston. For the 2019 Honda Accord’s rear brakes, which feature an electronic parking brake (EPB), you might need a specialized electronic brake reset tool or a scan tool capable of retracting the EPB piston electronically. Attempting to force the piston back without retracting the EPB can damage the caliper.
Wire Brush: For cleaning rust and debris from the caliper bracket.
Rubber Mallet: Helpful for gently persuading stubborn rotors off the hub.
Safety Glasses and Gloves: Protect your eyes and hands from dirt, rust, and brake fluid.
Bungee Cords or Strong Wire: To hang the caliper once removed, preventing strain on the brake hose.

Step-by-Step 2019 Honda Accord Rear Brake Pad Replacement Guide

Now that you’ve got all your gear, it’s time to get your hands dirty. Follow these steps carefully for a safe and effective 2019 Honda Accord rear brake pad replacement.

Safety First: Prepping Your Workspace

Safety is paramount when working on your vehicle’s braking system. Take these precautions seriously.

Park on Level Ground: Ensure your car is on a flat, stable surface.
Engage Parking Brake: Even though you’ll be working on the rear brakes, engage the parking brake as an extra safety measure (unless you are retracting the EPB, in which case it needs to be disengaged).
Block Front Wheels: Place wheel chocks in front of and behind the front wheels to prevent any accidental rolling.
Loosen Lug Nuts: Using your lug wrench, slightly loosen the lug nuts on the rear wheel you’re working on. Do not remove them yet.
Jack Up Car: Position your hydraulic jack under the appropriate lift point (refer to your owner’s manual) and raise the vehicle until the wheel is off the ground.
Secure with Jack Stands: Place jack stands under the vehicle’s frame at designated support points, then slowly lower the car onto the stands. Never rely solely on the jack.
Remove Wheel: Finish removing the lug nuts and carefully take off the wheel, setting it aside safely.

Disassembly: Getting to the Pads

With the wheel off, you now have clear access to the brake assembly. Take your time with these steps.

Inspect Caliper and Hose: Before you start, visually inspect the brake caliper for leaks and the brake hose for cracks or damage.
Remove Caliper Bolts: Locate the two bolts that hold the caliper to the caliper bracket. These are usually 12mm or 14mm. Use your socket wrench to remove them.
Carefully Remove Caliper: Once the bolts are out, gently wiggle the caliper off the rotor. It might be snug due to the old pads.
Hang the Caliper: Do not let the caliper hang by the brake hose! This can damage the hose. Use a bungee cord or strong wire to suspend the caliper from a sturdy suspension component (e.g., spring, control arm).
Remove Old Pads: The old pads will likely just slide out of the caliper bracket. Note how the shims (thin metal plates) are positioned.

Rotor Inspection and Replacement (If Needed)

This is a critical decision point. Deciding whether to replace or reuse your rotors directly impacts the longevity and performance of your new pads.

Remove Caliper Bracket: The caliper bracket is usually held on by two larger bolts (often 17mm). Remove these to get the bracket off the hub.
Rotor Inspection:
- Check for deep grooves, cracks, or excessive rust.
- Measure the rotor’s thickness with a micrometer. Compare it to the minimum thickness stamped on the rotor’s edge. If it’s at or below this limit, replace the rotor.
- Check for runout (wobble) with a dial indicator, though this is often not done by DIYers. Significant runout indicates a warped rotor that needs replacement.
Rotor Removal: If replacing, the old rotor might be stuck due to rust. Use a rubber mallet to tap gently around the hub face to loosen it. Some rotors have a small screw holding them to the hub; remove this if present.
Install New Rotor (If Applicable): Clean the new rotor thoroughly with brake cleaner to remove any protective oils. Install it onto the hub, ensuring it sits flush. Reinstall any retaining screws.

Installation: New Pads and Caliper

This is where your 2019 Honda Accord rear brake pad replacement truly comes together. Pay close attention to the electronic parking brake (EPB) steps.

Clean Caliper Bracket: Use a wire brush to clean any rust or debris from the caliper bracket where the pads sit. Apply a thin layer of brake grease to these contact points and the guide pins.
Compress Caliper Piston (EPB Specific):
- This is the most critical step for a 2019 Honda Accord’s rear brakes. The EPB requires the caliper piston to be retracted electronically. You will likely need an OBD-II scan tool that supports EPB service mode for Honda.
- Connect the scan tool and follow its instructions to put the EPB into “maintenance mode” or “retract piston” mode. This will electronically unwind the piston.
- Once retracted, you can use a C-clamp or a piston compression tool to push the piston fully back into the caliper body.
- After compression, use the scan tool to exit maintenance mode and re-engage the EPB.
- Warning: Forcing the piston back without electronically retracting the EPB can cause severe damage to the caliper’s internal EPB motor. If you don’t have the proper tool, it’s best to consult a professional.
Install New Pads: Apply a thin layer of brake grease to the back of the new pad shims (if not pre-greased) to prevent squealing. Slide the new pads into the caliper bracket, ensuring they sit correctly.
Reinstall Caliper: Carefully place the caliper back over the new pads and rotor. Ensure the guide pins slide smoothly into their boots.
Torque Caliper Bolts: Reinstall the caliper bolts and tighten them to factory specifications using your torque wrench. (Typical range: 25-35 ft-lbs, consult your service manual).
Reinstall Caliper Bracket (If Removed): If you removed the caliper bracket, reattach it now, torquing its bolts to spec (often 80-100 ft-lbs).
Reinstall Wheel: Place the wheel back on the hub, hand-tighten the lug nuts.
Lower Car: Jack the car up slightly to remove the jack stands, then slowly lower the vehicle until the wheel just touches the ground.
Torque Lug Nuts: Using your torque wrench, tighten the lug nuts in a star pattern to the manufacturer’s specification (typically 80 ft-lbs for a Honda Accord).

Post-Installation: Crucial Final Steps

You’re almost done! These final steps are vital for safety and proper brake function.

Pump Brake Pedal: Before starting the car, get inside and slowly pump the brake pedal repeatedly until it feels firm. This pushes the caliper pistons out and seats the pads against the rotor.
Check Brake Fluid Level: Open your hood and check the brake fluid reservoir. If it’s overfilled (due to piston compression), you may need to siphon some out. If it’s low, top it off with fresh DOT3 or DOT4 fluid.
Bedding-In Procedure: This is critical for optimal performance and longevity. Drive your car to a safe, unpopulated area. Perform 8-10 moderate stops from about 35 mph down to 5 mph, allowing a short cool-down period between each stop. Avoid coming to a complete stop or holding the brake pedal down too long after a hot stop, as this can imprint pad material onto the rotor. This process properly transfers a thin layer of pad material to the rotor surface.
Test Drive: Take a cautious test drive, listening for any unusual noises and confirming proper braking function.

Common Problems & Troubleshooting During Your DIY Brake Job

Even with the best preparation, a DIY 2019 Honda Accord rear brake pad replacement can throw a few curveballs. Knowing how to troubleshoot common issues can save you time and frustration.

Stuck Caliper Piston

A stubborn caliper piston is a frequent headache. If, even after electronically retracting the EPB, the piston won’t budge with your compression tool:

Check for Obstructions: Ensure the caliper piston is clean and free of rust or debris that might be preventing smooth movement.
Open Bleeder Screw (Carefully): If the piston is extremely stubborn, you can try opening the bleeder screw while compressing. This relieves hydraulic pressure. Be prepared for brake fluid to come out, and you’ll need to bleed the brakes afterward.
Consider Replacement: If the piston is corroded or seized, the caliper itself might be faulty and require replacement.

Stripped Bolts or Rounded Nuts

This is a frustrating setback that can grind your 2019 Honda Accord rear brake pad replacement to a halt.

Prevention: Always use the correct size socket and ensure it’s fully seated before applying force. Use a breaker bar for initial loosening of tight bolts, not your torque wrench.
Solutions for Rounded Nuts/Bolts:
- Socket Extractor Set: These specialized sockets are designed to grip rounded fasteners.
- Vice Grips: Can sometimes get a grip on a rounded bolt head.
- Nut Splitter: As a last resort, a nut splitter can break the nut without damaging the stud.

Brake Noise After Replacement

Hearing squeals or grinding after a fresh brake job can be disheartening.

Squealing: Often caused by improper lubrication of shims or caliper guide pins, or using cheaper pads without anti-squeal shims. Re-lubricate contact points with proper brake grease. Ensure pads are installed correctly.
Grinding: A more serious issue. Double-check that all pad material is present and you haven’t installed them backward. If you didn’t replace deeply grooved rotors, new pads will quickly wear unevenly and make noise. Metal-on-metal means immediate inspection.
New Pads “Squeal”: Some new pads, especially semi-metallic, can be a bit noisy until properly bedded in. Ensure you followed the bedding-in procedure.

Spongy Brake Pedal

If your brake pedal feels soft or sinks to the floor after the job, it usually indicates air in the brake lines.

Bleed the Brakes: This involves systematically pushing old fluid and any air out of the system, typically starting with the wheel furthest from the master cylinder (passenger rear, then driver rear for most cars). You’ll need a helper or a one-person brake bleeding kit.
Check for Leaks: Inspect all connections and the caliper for any signs of brake fluid leaks.

Extending the Life of Your New Pads: A 2019 Honda Accord Rear Brake Pad Care Guide

Performing a 2019 Honda Accord rear brake pad replacement is a great accomplishment, but the work doesn’t stop there. Proper care and driving habits can significantly extend the life of your new pads and rotors, saving you time and money in the long run.

Driving Habits for Longevity

How you drive has a direct impact on how quickly your brake pads wear down. Adopt these practices for a longer-lasting brake system:

Smooth Braking: Avoid sudden, aggressive stops whenever possible. Gradual braking reduces heat and friction, preserving pad material.
Anticipate Stops: Look ahead in traffic and anticipate when you’ll need to slow down. This allows for lighter, more prolonged braking rather than hard, last-minute stops.
Coast When Possible: On downhills or when approaching a stoplight, take your foot off the accelerator and let the car slow down naturally before applying the brakes.
Reduce Weight: Hauling unnecessary heavy items in your trunk or back seat adds stress to your brakes. Lighter loads mean less work for your braking system.

Regular Inspections and Maintenance

Even with good driving habits, regular checks are vital for your 2019 Honda Accord rear brake pad care guide. Catching minor issues early prevents them from becoming major problems.

Visual Pad Check: Every time you rotate your tires or at least twice a year, visually inspect your brake pads. Look for uneven wear or signs of thinness.
Brake Fluid Level: Check your brake fluid reservoir periodically. A gradual drop can indicate pad wear, while a sudden drop might signal a leak.
Listen for Noises: Be attentive to any new squeals, chirps, or grinding sounds. They are your car’s way of telling you something needs attention.
Caliper Guide Pin Lubrication: During tire rotations, consider re-lubricating the caliper guide pins. This ensures smooth caliper movement and even pad wear.

Sustainable Choices for Your Brakes

As off-roaders and enthusiasts, we appreciate the environment we play in. Making eco-friendly choices during your 2019 Honda Accord rear brake pad replacement can contribute to a healthier planet.

Recycling Old Parts: Many auto parts stores and metal recycling facilities will accept old brake pads and rotors. Don’t just toss them in the trash.
Choosing Eco-Friendly Pads: Look for brake pads labeled “low-copper” or “copper-free.” Copper in brake pads can be harmful to aquatic life when it washes off into waterways. Many manufacturers are moving towards more environmentally friendly formulations. This is a key aspect of sustainable 2019 Honda Accord rear brake pad replacement.
Proper Disposal of Fluids: Brake fluid is toxic and should never be poured down the drain. Collect old fluid in a sealed container and take it to an automotive shop or hazardous waste facility for proper disposal. This ensures an eco-friendly 2019 Honda Accord rear brake pad replacement process.

Frequently Asked Questions About 2019 Honda Accord Rear Brake Pad Replacement

How often should I replace rear brake pads on my 2019 Honda Accord?

There’s no single answer, as it depends heavily on your driving style, environment, and pad material. Generally, rear brake pads on a 2019 Honda Accord can last anywhere from 30,000 to 70,000 miles. It’s always best to perform a visual inspection at every oil change or tire rotation to monitor their wear.

Do I need to replace rotors every time I replace pads?

Not always, but it’s highly recommended, especially for the 2019 Honda Accord. Rotors have a minimum thickness specification; if they are below this, they must be replaced. Even if they are above spec, significant grooves or warping can cause noise and premature wear on new pads. For optimal performance and longevity, replacing pads and rotors together is often the best practice.

What’s the difference between ceramic and semi-metallic pads?

Ceramic pads are known for quieter operation, less dust, and good performance in various temperatures. They are often preferred for daily driving. Semi-metallic pads contain metal fibers, offering stronger initial bite and better performance in aggressive driving or heavy-duty applications, but they can be noisier and produce more dust.

Can I do just one side of the car?

No, you should always replace brake pads on both sides of the axle (both rear wheels) simultaneously. This ensures even braking force and prevents your vehicle from pulling to one side when you apply the brakes, which is a major safety concern.

When should I call a professional?

While a 2019 Honda Accord rear brake pad replacement is a common DIY job, you should call a professional if you:

Don’t have the specialized scan tool for the electronic parking brake.
Encounter seized bolts or other unexpected complications you can’t resolve.
Are uncomfortable with any step of the process, especially bleeding the brakes.
Suspect other components (like the caliper or master cylinder) are failing.

There you have it – a comprehensive guide to tackling the 2019 Honda Accord rear brake pad replacement. It might seem like a big job, but breaking it down

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Thomas Corle

Founder & Automobile expert at FatBoysOffroad

Automobile expert and off-road enthusiast, sharing in-depth knowledge of vehicles, gear, and adventures. Helping readers make smart decisions and enjoy the thrill of off-roading safely and confidently.