my Honda Accord has pulsating brakes, what could be the cause

Solution

1. Preparation

• Tools Required: Jack and jack stands, lug wrench, socket set, torque wrench, brake cleaner, caliper tool, rotor gauge.
• Lift the vehicle using a jack and secure it with jack stands.
• Remove the wheel using a lug wrench.

2. Inspect and Replace Brake Rotors

• Measure rotor thickness using a rotor gauge to check for wear.
• If warped or below minimum thickness, remove the caliper bolts and lift the caliper away from the rotor.
• Remove the rotor by unscrewing any retaining screws and sliding it off the hub.
• Install new rotors and torque retaining screws to the manufacturer’s specifications (typically around 80-100 ft-lbs).

3. Inspect and Replace Brake Pads

• Remove the old brake pads from the caliper bracket.
• Check for even wear and replace if necessary. Use a caliper tool to compress the caliper piston if replacing pads.
• Install new brake pads ensuring they are properly seated in the caliper bracket.

4. Reassembly

• Reattach the brake caliper to the bracket and torque the bolts to manufacturer specifications (often around 25-35 ft-lbs).
• Reinstall the wheel and torque lug nuts in a crisscross pattern to the specified torque (typically 80-100 ft-lbs).
• Lower the vehicle from the jack stands.

5. Final Checks

• Before driving, pump the brake pedal a few times to ensure proper brake pad seating.
• Check brake fluid level and top off if necessary.