How to Bleed ABS Brakes on a Honda Accord

by Jule Pamplin

The ABS (anti-lock braking system) on the Honda Accord demands regular maintenance to ensure consistent performance. Part of the essential maintenance includes bleeding the brake lines. Bleeding the lines is a process that removes air from the flow of brake fluid. Air in the fluid can lead to decreased brake fluid pressure which will cause a slower brake response. You can choose to have the brakes bled by a professional brake mechanic or you and an assistant can do it yourselves to save money.

Step 1

Park the Accord in a location that will provide space to work on both sides of the vehicle. Put the transmission in "Park" and apply the parking brake. Pull the hood release lever located under the driver's side dashboard.

Step 2

Loosen the lug nuts on all four wheels with the lug wrench. Lift the back of the Honda with the jack. Place jack stands under the rear axles and lower the Accord onto the stands. Remove the lug nuts and the rear wheels from the wheel bolts.

Step 3

Open the hood of the Honda and remove the master cylinder cap. The master cylinder is located to the right of the Accord's engine.

Step 4

Place the clear tube from the brake bleeding kit onto the bleed valve on the right rear caliper. The valve is located between the two caliper slide bolts on the back side of the caliper.

Step 5

Place the drip pan under the tubing to capture the expelled fluid. Open the bleed valve with a 10mm wrench while your assistant presses the brake pedal. Monitor the brake fluid flowing through the tubing until there are no bubbles present in the stream. Close the valve with the wrench and remove the tube.

Step 6

Place the bleed kit tubing onto the left rear brake bleed valve. Place the drip pan beneath the tubing. Open the bleed valve with a 10-mm wrench. Begin the brake pedal depressions and watch the flow of fluid through the tubing. Close the bleed valve once there are no longer bubbles in the stream.

Step 7

Replace the rear wheels onto their wheel bolts and screw on the lug nuts. Lift the back of the Accord with the lifting jack to remove the jack stands, then lower the back tires to the ground. Tighten the lug nuts with the lug wrench.

Step 8

Lift the front of the Honda. Place jack stands beneath the frame to support the vehicle. Remove the lug nuts and take the front tires off.

Step 9

Repeat the brake line bleeding steps on the front right brake and finally the front left brake. Remove the bleed kit and drip pan.

Step 10

Replace the front wheels onto the wheel bolts and screw on the lug nuts. Lift the vehicle to remove the jack stands. Lower the Accord to the ground and tighten the lug nuts with the lug wrench.

Step 11

Place a funnel inside the master cylinder. Fill the reservoir with brake fluid until the container is full. Replace the cap on the master cylinder and close the Honda's hood.

References

Things You'll Need

Writer Bio