A properly functioning brake system is critical for safe driving. However, Honda Accord owners may sometimes experience issues with sticky rear brakes that can affect braking performance. This article will provide an overview of the common causes of sticky rear brakes in the Honda Accord and the steps on How Do You Fix Honda Accord Sticky Rear Brakes?.
What Causes Sticky Brakes In A Honda Accord?
There are a few common reasons why the rear brakes may become sticky in a Honda Accord:
- Worn brake pads
- Contaminated brake components
- Faulty caliper piston
- Parking brake malfunction
- Low-quality or incorrect brake fluid
Understanding the root cause is the first step toward fixing sticky rear brakes in your Honda Accord.
Worn Brake Pads
Over time, the brake pads wear down from friction against the brake rotor. If the pads become too thin, they can stick to the rotor surface rather than retracting fully when the brakes are released. This prevents the rotor from spinning freely.
Replacing worn brake pads is the simplest fix for sticky rear brakes caused by pad wear.
Contaminated Brake Components
Brake dust, dirt, and other debris can build up on the brake caliper, pads, rotors and other components. Contaminants interfere with the proper retracting of the pads.
Thorough cleaning of the brake assembly is needed to fix contamination issues.
Faulty Caliper Piston
The caliper piston is responsible for pressing the brake pads against the rotor when the brakes are applied. If the piston seal fails, it can stick and prevent the pads from retracting.
Rebuilding or replacing the faulty caliper is required in this case.
Parking Brake Malfunction
The parking or emergency brake uses a cable system to manually activate the rear brakes. If this system malfunctions, it can cause the rear brake pads to drag against the rotor.
Adjusting or replacing worn parking brake components will resolve this issue.
Low-quality or Incorrect Brake Fluid
Using the wrong type of brake fluid or allowing fluid to become contaminated can cause corrosion and sticking within the brake hydraulic system.
Flushing the old fluid and replacing it with fresh, DOT-approved fluid restores proper operation.
Diagnosing Sticky Rear Brakes In A Honda Accord
If you suspect your Honda Accord has sticky rear brakes, there are a few simple checks you can perform to confirm and pinpoint the cause:
Check Brake Pad Thickness
Inspect the inner and outer brake pads on each rear wheel. The pads should have at least 3mm or more of friction material remaining. If they are worn close to the metal backing plate, pad replacement is needed.
Check Caliper Piston Movement
Remove the rear wheels and brake pads. Have an assistant slowly depress the brake pedal repeatedly while you observe the caliper pistons. They should extend and retract smoothly. Any sticking, sluggish or uneven movement indicates a piston problem.
Check Parking Brake Operation
Set the parking brake and attempt to roll the car both forward and backward. Any dragging indicates a binding parking brake. Inspect the parking brake cables and adjusters for damage or kinks.
Check Brake Fluid Condition
Inspect the brake fluid in the reservoir. It should be clear, light amber in color and free of debris or water contamination. Cloudy, dark fluid needs to be flushed from the system.
Once you’ve diagnosed the specific cause, you can move on to servicing the affected components and restoring proper brake operation.
How To Fix Sticky Rear Brakes On A Honda Accord
The repair procedure will depend on what is causing the sticking. Here are the steps to address the most common issues:
Replacing Worn Brake Pads
- Jack up the rear of the car and support it securely on jack stands.
- Remove the rear wheels.
- Detach the brake pads from the caliper bracket.
- Check that brake pad slides move freely. Clean or replace as needed.
- Install new inner and outer brake pads in the correct orientation.
- Reinstall wheels and lower vehicle.
- Pump brakes to seat pads before driving.
Cleaning Brake Components
- Remove rear wheels and brake pads.
- Clean caliper bracket, rotor surfaces and exposed caliper piston with brake cleaner spray.
- Use a wire brush to scrub away stubborn deposits.
- Apply brake lubricant to pad contact points.
- Reinstall components, wheels and depress brake pedal firmly before driving.
Rebuilding Or Replacing Caliper
- Remove the brake caliper assembly.
- Disassemble caliper to access piston. Inspect seals for damage.
- Replace seals and rebuild caliper, or install remanufactured caliper.
- Lubricate piston and reinstall caliper.
- Refill brake fluid reservoir as needed.
Adjusting Parking Brake
- Lift rear of vehicle and support with jack stands.
- Locate the parking brake cable adjuster near each rear wheel.
- Spin adjusters to increase or decrease cable tension as needed.
- Test parking brake operation again and re-adjust until drag is eliminated.
Flushing Brake Fluid
- Locate bleeder valves on each rear brake caliper.
- Attach clear tubing to the bleeder and submerge the free end in a clean fluid reservoir.
- Open the bleeder and have an assistant pump brake pedal.
- Flush old fluid until the stream runs clear.
- Tighten bleeder, refill reservoir with fresh fluid.
These steps should rectify any sticking and restore normal brake operation. Always consult a service manual for your specific Honda Accord model. Professional technicians can also efficiently handle any major brake repairs required.
Preventing Future Sticky Rear Brakes
Once your Honda Accord’s brakes are working properly again, you can take proactive steps to prevent recurrence of sticking:
- Inspect brake pads often and replace them before they reach minimum thickness.
- Clean the brake assembly periodically to prevent buildup of contaminants.
- Check parking brake adjustment at every tire rotation or oil change.
- Flush brake fluid once a year or when it appears dirty. Use only fresh DOT 3 or DOT 4 fluid.
- Have brakes inspected by a professional technician at least annually.
Routine brake maintenance is the best way to avoid sticky rear brakes and sustain safe, reliable braking performance in your Honda Accord. Address any issues promptly to prevent more extensive brake repairs down the road.
How Do I Get My Brakes To Stop Sticking?
There are a few common causes of sticky brakes. Start by inspecting the brake pads – if they are worn down too far, replace them. Also check for contamination like brake dust built up around the pads and rotors. You may need to remove the pads and thoroughly clean the brake assembly components using brake cleaner spray or a wire brush. Lubricating pad contact points with brake lubricant can also help prevent sticking. If the brake caliper piston is sticking, a rebuild or replacement may be necessary. Flushing old brake fluid and replacing it with fresh fluid is advisable as well.
How Do You Free A Sticky Brake Caliper?
A sticky brake caliper is often caused by a seized piston. Try compressing the piston back into the caliper using a C-clamp or specialized brake caliper tool. Gently tap the caliper body with a rubber mallet to break the piston free. Be careful not to damage the piston. You can also remove the pads and caliper, then use brake cleaner spray to free up the piston. Once moving smoothly, lubricate caliper parts with brake lubricant before reassembling. If these DIY steps don’t work, the caliper may need to be replaced or professionally rebuilt.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Brake Pad Thickness Is Too Thin?
Brake pads should be replaced when friction material thickness reaches 3mm or less. Refer to your vehicle maintenance guide for the recommended minimum pad thickness.
How Can I Check Brake Fluid Condition?
Inspect fluid in the reservoir. It should be light amber and translucent, free of sediment. Dark, muddy fluid needs to be flushed from the system.
Do I Need Special Tools To Service Rear Brakes?
Basic hand tools along with a jack and jack stands are all that is needed for most repairs. For rebuilding calipers, a brake piston tool makes the job easier.
What Brake Parts Typically Wear Out?
Pads and rotors wear from friction and require periodic replacement. Rubber components like caliper seals and brake hoses also deteriorate over time.
Can I Drive With Sticky Rear Brakes?
It’s not recommended. Sticking brakes reduce stopping ability and create a safety risk. Have the problem diagnosed and repaired promptly.
Conclusion
Sticky rear brakes are fairly common in the popular Honda Accord model. Typical causes include worn pads, contaminated components, caliper issues, parking brake problems or old brake fluid. By methodically inspecting the various brake parts and servicing any found in subpar condition, drivers can safely resolve sticky brake problems themselves or seek professional assistance for major repairs. With routine preventive maintenance, you can keep your Accord’s braking strong and trouble-free for the long run.
Also Read: What Causes A Honda Accord Radiator To Start Leaking?
