[rbasaria]

hey guys. found this website today and though I would post. I just took m y element in due to some rattling noises. Turns out the belt needs to be replaced (I just had it changed 20k miles ago) and I also need to change the pads and rotors. I am having the shop do the belt, since I have no time, patience or knowledge on that. I have, however, changed pads and rotors on other cars. Am I looking at the same amount of work and knowledge for the element? or is it more complicated? Just want to make sure before I jump in. Thanks for any help!!

 

[Sprunch]

I had my head in there yesterday while rotating my tires...IMO they look like any other set up I have seen...anyone correct me if I'm wrong.

 

[ramblerdan]

Brakes are straightforward, though as always I urge DIYers to get a service manual. Also pay a few extra bucks for the Honda pad kit. Includes everything you need and is a known quantity.

20K is pretty low mileage for a serpentine belt.

 

[rbasaria]

Brakes are straightforward, though as always I urge DIYers to get a service manual. Also pay a few extra bucks for the Honda pad kit. Includes everything you need and is a known quantity.

20K is pretty low mileage for a serpentine belt.

Thanks for the tips. Yeah, i had it changed at 86k, and now its at 104k. They said it was loose, and thats what was causing all the noise I was hearing (didnt sound like typical belt noise though). I guess the tensioner was too tight, they said the belt was stretched out. I dont know much about this stuff, so I dont really know what to do other than have them fix it. Apparently, changing a belt it fairly easy, but I already told them to do it, so I guess I will know for next time...

 

[tangboy5000]

Brakes are easy, and even easier if you have three arms. You might need a breaker bar to free the one bolt that allows the caliper to swivel up and away from the disc. The little v shaped spring things can be a pain to keep in the holes while you're trying to get the pads back in, this is where the third arm comes in handy.

 

[rbasaria]

cool thanks guys. Just wanted to make sure there werent any hidden surprises. I have changed brake pads and rotors a few times, but its been a while.

Couple more questions...

if I have about 10% left on my pads, do I need to change the rotors? Should I change the rotors when I change the pads regardless?

 

[ramblerdan]

Change the rotors. The OEM pads are very hard and eat into the rotors. Two potential difficulties are the screws that hold the rotor to the hub (use an impact driver to loosen) and rust on the outer hub making it hard to remove the rotor. Expect a fight.

 

[rbasaria]

Change the rotors. The OEM pads are very hard and eat into the rotors. Two potential difficulties are the screws that hold the rotor to the hub (use an impact driver to loosen) and rust on the outer hub making it hard to remove the rotor. Expect a fight.

I was pretty much expecting that. I am not sure if the pads or rotors have ever been changed...I bought the car used. I am VERY broke right now, and will have to put all this crap on my CC, so I am trying to get away with spending as little as possible to get me by for the next few months, until I can find a real job. (just graduated, and still working an internship...). Guess I will just have to bite the bullet and rack up the debt a little more.