my Honda Accord shakes when I brake, what might be causing this?

Solution

1. Preparation

• Tools Required: Jack and jack stands, lug wrench, torque wrench, brake caliper tool, rotor measurement tool, clean rags.
• Safely lift the vehicle using a jack and secure it with jack stands.
• Remove the wheel using a lug wrench.

2. Inspect Brake Components

• Sub-steps:
  • Remove the brake caliper by unscrewing the caliper mounting bolts.
  • Take out the brake pads and inspect for uneven wear or damage.
  • Measure rotor thickness using a rotor measurement tool; check for warping (maximum runout specification is usually 0.002 inches).
  • If the rotor is warped, proceed to replace or resurface it.

3. Replace or Resurface Rotors

• Sub-steps:
  • If necessary, remove the rotor by unscrewing the retaining screws and sliding it off the hub.
  • If resurfacing, take the rotors to a machine shop.
  • If replacing, install new rotors, ensuring proper alignment.
  • Torque the rotor retaining screws to the manufacturer’s specifications.

4. Install New Brake Pads

• Sub-steps:
  • Apply brake grease to the back of new brake pads to reduce noise.
  • Install the new brake pads into the caliper bracket.
  • Reattach the brake caliper and secure it with mounting bolts.

5. Reassemble and Test

• Reinstall the wheel and hand-tighten the lug nuts.
• Lower the vehicle from the jack stands.
• Torque the lug nuts to the manufacturer’s specifications using a torque wrench.
• Test drive the vehicle to ensure the issue is resolved.