How to Replace Emergency Brakes in a Honda Prelude

The emergency brakes on your vehicle were originally used to stop it when the regular brakes failed. However, the brakes on a Honda Prelude now rarely fail, and the emergency brakes are more often used to keep the vehicle from moving while parked. The most common source of failure for emergency brakes occurs when they aren't used for a period of time, causing the brake cable to rust and seize.

Instructions

1

Determine which type of emergency brakes your Honda Prelude will need. Emergency brakes typically function by activating the regular braking system on the driving wheels. The emergency brakes for the Honda Prelude use the rear wheels, which may have disc or drum brakes.

2

Drain half the brake fluid from the master cylinder and raise the vehicle.

3

Remove the tire and wheel assembly with a socket wrench. Remove the brake drum if present. If you have rear disc brakes, disconnect the caliper mounting bolts with a socket wrench and lift the caliper assembly away from the brake rotor. Suspend the caliper assembly with mechanic's wire so that it does not pull on the brake flex hose. You can now remove the caliper assembly and brake pads.

4

Unfasten the caliper bracket mounting bolts with a socket wrench and remove the caliper bracket from the brake rotor. Remove the rotor retaining screws with a socket wrench and pull the brake rotor straight off the wheel mounting studs.

5

Thread two 8 x 1.25mm bolts between the rotor and wheel mounting studs with a Phillips screwdriver if the rotor is seized in place. Tighten the screws two turns at a time until the brake rotor is released.

6

Install the new brake by reversing the removal procedure. You may need to retract the piston into the caliper with a suitable tool such as a large C-clamp.

7

Refill the master cylinder with fresh brake fluid. Pump the brake pedal to seat the brake pads and ensure you have a firm pedal before driving the vehicle.