I have 199k on my 90 accord and the front brakes are finally gone. A friend of mine told me that it is best to take to the dealership to get them replaced because the wheel bearing needs to be pressed out. I would rather do it myself, but only if its not going to take me days on end....any help would be great!

 

The front rotors are a pain in the ass pretty much, the hubs do need to be pressed out of the bearings and you have to take the entire knuckle off the car to do so. Im sure its been a while since they've been done, so everything will be rusted nicely, making the job that much more fun.

 

1st time, 8 hours...

 

thanks for the help guys, i might just take it to a dealership to see how much they want from me...any futher suggestions or trick would help

 

1st time took me 1 1/2 hours. My Vigor took me a little less. I love tools.

 

wowzers, i have to admit thats pretty quick.
i bet now i can cut it down to 4

 

I wouldn't even think of attempting it unless you have the correct tools. I wouldn't recommend going to a dealer for that sort of job either unless they give you a good deal. I got mine done at some corner tire shop for $200 parts and labor. I have a '93 so it's the same flawed, pressed on hub design that I'm glad I don't have to put up with on my '99.

 

I assume you have previous experience and all the tools needed?

Honda dealers charge eight hours labour time for these for good reason- they are a pain in the ass. I've done a couple before and wish I didn't. Mind you, "normal" brake rotors only charge two hours labour time to replace.

 

I have previous auto repair experience but it was the first time I did that kind of job on a Honda. Honda dealers charge 3.5 hours for Civic timing belts and I've seen one changed out in less than 1 hour so you can't always go by that. It helps that a buddy of mine showed my all the tools that I would need and told me to have at it. It probably helped a little that the car was from Texas and had not rust issues to deal with.

If you guys think it's tough on a Honda, you should see how it is on Benzes that use the same design. Mercedes would attach the rotor to the hub with Allen head bolts that would like to strip out quick. And the Mercedes rotor wouldn't last near as long as the ones on Hondas.