Brakes for 05 Accord - what do I need?

[sr17]

My Accord (05, 4 cyl) needs brakes badly, front and back.

I am planning to get my mechanic friend to do a decent over haul of the brakes.

Just looking at the RockAuto web parts catalog to determine what to order, there are several different brands and models of rotors, drums, pads, etc., making it pretty confusing for someone like me with limited knowledge.

I will be ordering rotors and pads for the front and drums and shoes for the back.

What brand and model is preferred for my application?

What else, if anything do I need to do it right? Do I need the Drum/Disc Brake Hardware Kit?

 

[HTSS_TR]

Front and Rear Pads: Akebono ProACT Ultra Premium Ceramic for about $86 both

Rotors:I like Brembo, I do not know anything about drums and shoes.

No, you're most likely do not need Brake Hardware Kit.

 

[Corvette Owner]

I use NAPA TruStop Brake Pads for most of my cars.

If you want the best street brake pads, I think it is HAWK HPS, I use these on my Corvette.

I like slotted zinc plated rotors, they clean the brake pads and prevent brake vibrations. For looks, but not performance (or track use) you can get drilled and slotted.

 

[Ken42]

Have your friend look at it and have him/her tell you
what it needs and go from there. I would get a hardware
kit just in case it is needed. Don't open so you
can return if not needed.

As far as brands any will work as long they are
of good quality. Best to get them local saves on
shipping and you can return them easier if they are
not needed or wrong parts.

 

[sr17]

Originally Posted By: Ken42
Best to get them local saves on
shipping and you can return them easier if they are
not needed or wrong parts.


Unfortunately we get ripped off for auto parts in Canada, which is why I was planning on ordering from RockAuto. Have gotten a few things from them in the past and it has worked well, but I can see that it would be a major headache if parts did not fit and had to be returned.

Where can I get brake parts at good prices in WA state? Anywhere in and around Bellingham, Burlington, or Seattle? I do drive down that way fairly regularly anyway

 

[The Critic]

Find out what it needs, first. I would guess pads and rotors. If you are happy with the way it stops, then get a front and rear set of Genuine Honda pads. If higher performance is desired, then StopTech 309s.

 

[sciphi]

I've been happy with the stopping power of the Fit, on its OEM pads and rotors. The Buick with AutoZone Duralast Gold Cmax ceramic pads and EBC Ultimax slotted rotors stops surprisingly quickly for a large barge.

The pricier a rotor is, the thicker and better-engineered it tends to be. I learned that lesson doing brakes on the Buick recently. Cheap aftermarket is often no substitute for a good-quality OEM part.

 

[The Critic]

Originally Posted By: sciphi
I've been happy with the stopping power of the Fit, on its OEM pads and rotors.

Really? To me, that car barely stops.

 

[typ901]

Originally Posted By: The Critic
Originally Posted By: sciphi
I've been happy with the stopping power of the Fit, on its OEM pads and rotors.

Really? To me, that car barely stops.


Funny you say that-Car and Driver mentioned the same thing about the Fit having weak brakes, but it still got a 10-Best award.

 

[rclint]

You have rear disc brakes front, and rear. I purchased wagner thermoquit for front, and rear. My Honda Accord has 175k on it, and the person that owned it before me must have had it maintained at the dealership, everything was honda parts, brakes etc.. I have been happy with the wagner thermoquit, and would purchase again.. From what I understand some of the brake pads have been cast to do away with the shims etc.. My rotors have some scaring, but are not warped, and no shaking, so I measured with a caliper.. and they have never been turned I expect these are or were new two brake jobs ago..

I would however check with the OEM before purchasing, many many times you can by OEM Honda brakes as cheap or cheaper than some of the brand names at parts stores.. I think the OEM honda pads are outstanding, and really stop better than the wagner thermoquit pads I replaced them with. From my use and driving I would judge all other brake pads/parts as to honda OEM being the best, and judge cost wise, and how long they last from there !! Yes the ceramic and long lasting pads last longer, but they also wear your rotors away whole doing so.. I guess everything is a trade off, I put a lot of miles on my car each year, and honda brakes I guess last around 30k ? So I decided to go with the wagner brake pads, that and I didn't have a lot of time to shop around etc.

The brake job itself replacing pads on a honda (2002) model is easy, and basically the same as a 97 model.. I doubt your newer model has changed much if any. I did not change the rotors, so I'm not sure how much harder that would be.. it took me about 3 hours to change both sides, BUT I have neck problems, so I had to wait on my older brother to help me break the lug nuts loos, and one caliper bolt was a pain as well..nothing real hard I just can't pry on a wrench to much.

I also need a couple more bucks to hit the $75 promotion online order code, so I added some synthetic brake lube, and I lubed the caliper bolts, the rubber compression boots/seals, and the caliper cylinder/o-ring etc.. This was overkill, and I wonder how much if any good this will do. it was $3 and put me into a $30 savings... and I hated to waste it...

 

[eagle23]

If you know the rotors are bad, order them but if not don't. Usually they can easily be turned/resurfaced on a brake lathe for about $15 each +/-. If they have a LOT of miles and it helps you sleep better to get new ones, I understand.

If you want to use Honda parts, check Majestic Honda http://www.hondaautomotiveparts.com/.
They and a few other Honda dealers offer good discounts. I don't know what shipping would be to your area but it's worth a few minutes online to see.

I'm not disagreeing with the use of aftermarket brands; I've used them myself many times. But I have 66k+ on the OEM pads/rotors on my 2007 Accord and am going to be hard pressed to replace them with anything but more OEM when the time comes, probably over 100k.