How to Change Brake Pads on a 2005 Honda Pilot

With the sheer size of the 2005 Honda Pilot, it is essential to ensure that the vehicle's brakes are in great working shape. There are three common side effects that can alert you to bad brakes. The first is a faint squealing sound that occurs as you drive. The second is that the brakes stop abruptly when used. The third is if there is a grinding sound as the brakes are applied. If any of these three occur, then it is time to change the brake pads.

Difficulty: Moderately EasyInstructionsThings You'll Need:

Tire iron
Wood blocks
Floor jack
Set of jack stands
Socket wrench set
Twine
C-clamp

Step 1
Loosen all of the lug nuts with the tire iron with two full counterclockwise turns. Set the wood blocks behind the tires you will not be removing. Replace the front set first and then the back set. You may want to leave one tire on to help with reference.
Step 2
Place the floor jack under the axle of the vehicle and raise it until the tires are at least 2 inches off of the ground. Set the jack stands under the same axle for support and stability. Remove the first tire.
Step 3
Unbolt the brake caliper mounting bracket from the rotor with the socket wrench. The brake caliper mounting bracket is the crescent shaped metal bracket attached to the rotor that was directly behind the tire. Hang the caliper mounting bracket in the wheel well of the SUV with the twine to remove any strain on the brake line.
Step 4
Pull the brake pads out of the brake caliper mounting bracket.
Step 5
Attach the c-clamp to the mounting bracket by placing the stationary end of the clamp against the rear of the mounting bracket. Set the movable end against the brake caliper cylinder (the cylinder in the center of the bracket) and compress until the cylinder is flat.
Step 6
Slide the new brake pads into the slots where the old brake pads were.
Step 7
Untie the caliper mounting bracket and bolt it back onto the rotor with the socket wrench. Reattach the tire with the lug nuts and proceed to the next brake pads. When finished, lower the vehicle and tighten all of the lug nuts with the tire iron.