bad caliper

[PriMal Cb7]

anybody ever change their brake calipers? my driver's side caliper is leaking and i want to just change both calipers. just wondering if it would be a simple task, or am i asking for more headaches...thanks jay

[GrayCar]

Yup, piece of cake. Only real problem are the two large bolts that hold the caliper to the knuckle. They will be very rusted on and the angle you have to get at them is tight, but a little PB and some leverage and you're good to go.

You could even go the extra easy route and buy pre-loaded calipers with the pads already in them. The pads aren't the best quality, but it is easier.

One catch is manufacturer of the caliper. Honda had two suppliers, Akebono and Nissin (?). The difference is where they mount in respect to the axle. One brand the caliper sits to the front of the axle, the other it sits behind. Off the top of my head I can't remember which is which but you can tell your parts guy where your caliper sits and they can go from there.

[AccordAnimal]

As said before, the job is a peice of cake.

1. Make sure you have your wheels turned in a position that makes it easier to get to
2. Have a breaker bar on hand.

[PriMal Cb7]

i've decided to just replace the driver's side with a pre-loaded caliper... can anyone verify the difference between akebono and nissin? ill give it a shot tomorrow. thanks alot for the information and help
jay

[GrayCar]

Take a look in there and see where they sit. Tell your parts guy, it's a well know thing so there shouldn't be an issue. Crap, the dope at my local Checkers got it right.

You will also need brake fluid, DOT 3 or 4 will do. After you replace the caliper you will need to bleed the brakes and get the air out of the new caliper.

I would also suggest having something handy underneath there if you are concerned about the surface your working over. When you take the brake line/banjo bolt off the old caliper there will be some fluid coming out. Gets all over the place.

Oh ya, there should also be some copper (I think copper...) washers that will come with or on the new caliper. They're for the banjo bolt on the brake line. Make sure you pick the old ones off and use the news ones.

[aero]

akebono and nissin both sit to the front of the axle.. Only difference is the build of them. If you are going to replace them both, get a loaded set from autozone. You can use either, but GET akebono. I have had both, and nissin are just made in such a foolish way, and they dont seem to work right. akebono's are easier to change the pads, and everything.

[PriMal Cb7]

caliper is replaced...piece of cake...and thanks for the tips and info... jay