Hello. I just changed out my brakes for the first time on my 1991 accord. Problem is, is that the brakes no longer build up pressure. They build up a little when the car is off, but if it sits it goes away. If the car is on, it builds up absolutely no pressure. I didnt disconnect any hoses when I changed them. Im thinking that I didnt bleed the brakes correctly. Where exactly is the bleeder valve on the accord? Im assuming that someone pumps the breaks, while you open the bleeder valve, and let out the air. Any help would be appreciated!
- aslocal

 

I need a little bit more info to help. So did you open the system? You do not need to bleed the brakes unless you opened the system(changed a part of the hydrualic system). A flush of the brake fluid is essetial as routine maintance every 3 years, but air will rarely form in the lines unless you ran your master cylinder dry or you opened part of the system. Is it hard to push the pedal? or is the pedal very spongy? Let me know exactly how and what you bled and I will be able to help you out.

 

Thanks for the response! Basically, when I replaced the brakes, I couldnt get the piston pushed down, to fit over the new brake pads. So I removed the piston, and removed the brake fluid from inside. Then I placed the piston back inside, and put the screw back into the caliper. So when the car is off, it will build up pressure (from absolutely no pressure initially) when I pump the brakes. If I stop pumping the it looses all pressure again. When the car is on, no pressure can be felt. I can easily pump it back and forth. Hope thats enough info!
thanks! aslocal

 

you have air in the brake system

 

I just got a 2003 so I haven't had to change the brakes on a honda yet. but I just did my girl's jetta and it turns out you need a tool like a big wrench to screw the piston back in. I never had to do that On my old volvo or miata so it stumped for a bit. maybe that's what you needed to do?

-w

ps-the only other problem I had with brakes is when my fiend and I did our first stereo install on his saab 9000 (age 17~18). we couldn't find a grommet so we drilled a hole and ended up puncturing his brake booster. it behaved exactly like you described, but obviously it couldn't be that.

I bet it would do the same thing though if you had drained your masta cylinder while bleeding though. give it a quick level check.

 

Right, thats what I was thinking. So from what ive managed to find online, is that I need to have someone pump the brakes, while I open the bleeder valve. But where is the bleeder valve on the accord?
Thanks, aslocal.

 

http://www.honda.co.uk/owner/AccordManual/400/13-10.pdf

http://www.honda.co.uk/owner/AccordManual/400/13-5.pdf

There you go man.

 

Thanks! I figured it out =P Pretty simple actually. The bleeder valve is the plastic 'nub' right where the brake pads are. Just take that off, screw off the nut, and then have someone else pump the brakes until fluid starts coming out. Replace the screw and plastic piece, and your done! Brakes work great now! Thanks to everyone that responded
- aslocal

 

Youre welcome.