my Honda Accord shakes when I brake, what could be wrong?

Solution

1. Preparation

• Gather necessary tools and parts.
• Park the vehicle on a flat surface and engage the parking brake.
• Place wheel chocks behind the rear wheels for safety.

2. Inspect and Replace Brake Pads

• Tools Required: Jack, jack stands, socket set, torque wrench, brake cleaner, new brake pads.
• Loosen the lug nuts on the front wheels but do not remove them.
• Lift the front of the vehicle using a jack and secure it with jack stands.
• Remove the front wheels.
• Inspect the brake pads for thickness; replace if they are worn below the manufacturer's specification.
• Remove the caliper bolts using a socket wrench and lift the caliper off the rotor.
• Remove the old brake pads and clean the caliper bracket with brake cleaner.
• Install new brake pads in the caliper bracket.
• Reattach the caliper and torque the bolts to the manufacturer's specifications.

3. Inspect and Resurface or Replace Rotors

• Tools Required: Brake rotor gauge, brake lathe (if resurfacing), replacement rotors.
• Measure rotor thickness with a micrometer to ensure they are within specifications.
• If warped, resurface the rotors using a brake lathe or replace them with new ones.
• Clean the rotor surface with brake cleaner before installation.

4. Check Suspension Components

• Tools Required: Wrench set, visual inspection tools.
• Inspect control arms, bushings, and tie rods for any signs of wear or damage.
• Replace any worn-out components as needed.

5. Reassemble and Torque Wheels

• Reinstall the front wheels 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.