18/04/2015
When it comes to maintaining your Honda Accord, ensuring your braking system is in optimal condition is paramount for both safety and performance. A common query among Accord owners revolves around the rear brake pad set: specifically, who manufactures them and what exactly comes in the package. This article aims to demystify the process of identifying and purchasing the correct rear brake pad set for your Honda Accord, drawing on insights from customer experiences and general automotive knowledge.
Understanding Honda Accord Brake Pad Sets
A rear brake pad set for a Honda Accord is a critical component of the braking system. When you press the brake pedal, hydraulic pressure forces the brake caliper pistons to push the brake pads against the brake discs (rotors). This friction is what slows and stops your vehicle. Over time, these pads wear down and need replacement to maintain effective braking.
A typical rear brake pad set for a Honda Accord usually includes a set of four brake pads – two for the left rear caliper and two for the right rear caliper. It's essential to replace them in pairs on each axle to ensure even braking force and prevent uneven wear. Some premium or performance-oriented brake pad sets might also include shims, which help to reduce noise and vibration, or anti-squeal compounds. However, for standard OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) replacements, you can generally expect just the four pads.
Who Makes the Pad Set for a Honda Accord?
Honda, like most major automotive manufacturers, does not typically manufacture brake pads in-house. Instead, they contract with reputable automotive parts suppliers to produce these components to their strict specifications. These suppliers are often global leaders in braking technology. While the specific supplier can vary depending on the year and model of your Honda Accord, and even the production batch, common manufacturers that supply OEM or equivalent brake pads to the automotive industry include:
- Akebono: A well-respected Japanese manufacturer known for its high-quality friction materials and extensive OEM supply agreements.
- Bosch: A global automotive supplier that produces a wide range of braking components, often found as original equipment on many vehicles.
- Advics: Another Japanese supplier that is a significant player in the braking systems market, often supplying major automakers.
- Hitachi (formerly Nissin): Hitachi Automotive Systems is a major supplier of braking systems, including calipers and pads.
When you purchase a genuine Honda part, you are guaranteed that it meets Honda's standards, regardless of the actual manufacturer. If you opt for aftermarket pads, choosing a reputable brand like those listed above, or others with a strong track record such as Brembo, EBC Brakes, or Hawk, will generally ensure good quality and performance. Always verify compatibility with your specific Honda Accord model and year.
Customer Experience Highlight: Excellent Service
A customer recently shared an experience highlighting the excellent service provided by a supplier (referred to as MSP) when an issue arose with a FedEx delivery. Despite the problem originating with the shipping carrier, the MSP team demonstrated remarkable patience and a strong willingness to help. This kind of customer care, showing genuine empathy and a commitment to resolving issues, is invaluable when dealing with automotive parts. It underscores the importance of choosing suppliers who stand behind their products and prioritize customer satisfaction, even when external factors cause problems.
Common Questions About Honda Accord Rear Brake Pads
Let's address some frequently asked questions that Accord owners might have:
How many pads does a rear brake pad set come with?
As mentioned earlier, a standard rear brake pad set for a Honda Accord typically includes four brake pads. This is because each rear wheel has its own brake caliper, and each caliper houses two brake pads.
What is a Honda brake pad set?
A Honda brake pad set is a collection of friction material components designed to be fitted into the brake calipers of a Honda vehicle. When the brake pedal is applied, these pads are pressed against the brake discs (rotors), generating the friction necessary to slow down or stop the car. Honda brake pad sets are engineered to meet the specific performance, durability, and safety requirements of Honda vehicles.
Are Honda brake pads specific to the model year?
Yes, brake pads are generally specific to the model year, trim level, and sometimes even the specific braking system fitted to a Honda Accord. For example, a 2013 Honda Accord EX-L might use different brake pads than a 2013 Honda Accord LX or a 2015 Honda Accord Hybrid. It is crucial to confirm the correct part number for your exact vehicle specifications before purchasing.
What about other parts, like weather stripping?
The customer query also mentioned replacing the rubber weather strip on the rear right door, specifically the one on the car's interior rather than the door itself. This component is typically referred to as a door seal or body seal. These seals are designed to prevent water, wind, and noise from entering the cabin when the door is closed. The exact part number would depend on the specific Accord model and year (e.g., 2013 Honda Accord). You would typically look for the "door seal," "weatherstrip," or "body seal" for the rear right passenger door.
Choosing the Right Brake Pads
When selecting replacement brake pads for your Honda Accord, you have a few options:
| Option | Description | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|---|
| OEM Honda Parts | Genuine Honda parts manufactured to Honda's specifications, often by their designated suppliers. | Guaranteed fit and performance, high quality, maintains vehicle's original feel. | Often the most expensive option. |
| Reputable Aftermarket Brands | Pads from well-known manufacturers (e.g., Akebono, Bosch, Brembo, EBC). | Good quality, can offer performance upgrades (e.g., quieter, longer lasting, better stopping power), often more affordable than OEM. | Requires careful selection to ensure compatibility and quality. |
| Budget Aftermarket Brands | Less well-known or budget-focused brands. | Lowest cost option. | Variable quality, potential for noise, premature wear, or reduced performance. Not generally recommended for critical components like brakes. |
For most Honda Accord owners, opting for either genuine Honda parts or high-quality aftermarket pads from reputable brands offers the best balance of performance, longevity, and value. Always check reviews and specifications to ensure the chosen pads meet your driving needs.
Installation and Maintenance Tips
Replacing brake pads is a task that can be done by a competent DIY mechanic, but if you are unsure, it's always best to have them fitted by a qualified professional. Ensure that when the pads are replaced, the brake rotors are inspected for wear and damage. If the rotors are heavily scored or below minimum thickness, they should also be replaced or resurfaced.
Regularly check your brake pads for wear. Signs that your brake pads need replacing include a squealing noise when braking, a grinding sound, a longer stopping distance, or a brake warning light illuminating on your dashboard. It's also good practice to check the brake fluid level and condition periodically.
In conclusion, understanding the components of your Honda Accord's braking system, such as the rear brake pad set, empowers you to make informed decisions about maintenance and replacement. Whether you choose OEM or a trusted aftermarket brand, ensuring you have the correct parts and professional installation will keep your Accord stopping safely and effectively.
If you want to read more articles similar to Honda Accord Rear Brake Pad Sets, you can visit the Brakes category.