Rep Power: 454

ok, when I get my new rotors and pads in the mail I am going to try the install myself. Now I have read through the DIY for rotor and pad install and I understand everything excpet the part about depressing the piston in order to get the new pads in. Could someone give me a step by step on how to do it. when I take off the caliper, apparently the piston might be all the way out, does someone have a pic? now how exactly do you depress it? Someone please help with exact step by step instructions. I would appreciate it.

 
Rep Power: 312

They are tools that you can buy to push the piston back in that you can buy, or some people use a c-clamp or plain old channel lock pliers. I dont recall which method Honda recommends, but there are a couple of ways to push the piston back in.

One way is to remove the cover off of the brake reservoir, then squeeze the push back enough to put the new pads in. Make sure you catch any fluid that might leak out the top of the reservoir. On some ABS systems, you have to be careful using this method as it can back flush crap back into the ABS sensors which might cause a malfunction.

The other way is to use a pair of vise grips and a rag and clamp off the rubber brake line making sure that you dont damage the line. They actually make soft clamping vise grips for this tha have plastic or soft jaws. Anyways, you clamp off the rubber brake line to stop air from getting into the brake system then you crack open the brake bleeder and push the piston back. Afterwards you should bleed the line.

I think the first method above is what most do. I wouldnt do the second method unless your willing to take that risk of damaging the rubber line.

I'll have to check my Helms manual to see what they say.

 
Rep Power: 454

is it pretty much easy to do?

 
Rep Power: 454

do I need to bleed the system when I replace the rotors and pads? I just had them bleed not to long ago.

 
Rep Power: 312

Any time you introduce air or moisture into the brake system, you want to bleed. I myself bought a brake bleeding kit from MityVac for 35 bucks. Its a small hand vacuum pump with various attachments that sucks out any air trapeed in the lines. Works great and is a one man job.