Honda CRV rear brake pad change 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016

As of 1/24/22: 843 likes, 78 dislikes

In this video I demonstrate how to change the rear brake pads on our 2013 Honda CR-V AWD. The procedure will be exactly the same for model years 2012-2016, 2WD and AWD.

This is a relatively simple job that almost anyone can tackle as long as you have the required tools. This will only cost you about $40, and take 30-60 minutes to complete. My local Honda dealer wanted $299 to change just the rear pads!

I decided to use Akebono ceramic pads which I (and many others) have had great luck with on many other vehicles. I changed the front pads at 60k miles with Akebono ACT1089. The original rear pads lasted just over 90k miles before getting to the wear indicators, and I replace them in this video with the ACT1086 pads. I did not need to resurface or replace the rotors as there was no vibration/pulsing when applying the brakes.

Remember to also follow the manufacturer's recommendations for brake pad bed-in procedure. (Akebono recommends 400-500 miles of moderate driving to bed-in.) This is particularly important when installing new pads and leaving your existing rotor alone. A proper bed-in will not only give you the highest stopping power, but also ensure that there is an even layer of pad material deposited onto your rotor. This will prevent the pulsing and vibration which is commonly mistaken for warped rotors. If you are interested in learning more, Stoptech has an excellent white paper on this topic:

If you want to flush your brake fluid at the same time, I've also created a video for that process:

Music: Boss Axis - Tanquilla

[Sirty]

Fantastically made video, just the right speed, no fluff. This is how all DIY vids should be, well done!

[ogieogre]

Great video. I'm not a car guy. I know where the gas and windshield wiper fluids go, but anything beyond that would be a stretch for me. My rear brakes had been grinding and I watched your video and went for it. Bought the needed tools and viewed a second video for rotors and finally got my hands dirty. Five hours later I was driving around breaking in my new brakes and rotors. Thanks Tim!!!!

[DCSO]

Clear & concise, easy to follow video which included all the info required to complete the job (tools, tool size, bolt torque specs etc.). Thanks for your efforts to film, edit & post. Brought a smile to my face to see you have an enthusiastic apprenctice!

[forest_biker]

Second rear pad change for my CRV and found this video was a awesome review of the process. I love the size wrench call outs for the parts. Your the man Wong!

[brtn]

Glad finally to see a brake change video that includes torque settings! I've seen so many that just show sledgehammer mechanic tightening. Sped up video is useful - easy to hit pause for the detail. Nice job Tim!

[evergreen]

Well done! All the info I needed and no long drawn out explanation! Cheers

[shimmerdetail]

Can't thank you enough. Did this job 5 years ago and needed review. This was absolutely perfect. Have my little note pad with the steps and will have this video on my phone if needed. Have my little brake box with appropriate tools/supplies. This will save me a bunch of time. Thanks again.

[BFanatic]

Thank you for the video, it made the project nearly effortless. Saved enough to justify purchasing an air impact wrench and socket set with money left over vs. paying the dealer.

[ganeshrajamonickam]

Thank you for your gentleness for posting this video "Thank you again"

[dankniseley]

GREAT video including hints and torque specs. Thanks, Tim! 👍

[gfriedman]

Superb. Silicone grease on the pins. Many mechanics put moly grease there - no good. You know your stuff.

[ALTNNRG]

Thumbs up for sharing knowledge with children. This video is a great help!

[peteryates]

Awesome video mate. Saved me a bunch of time and it’s not long winded like a lot of other.

[dannyj]

I just changed mine with your video! Thank you so much!

[interstellaraxeman]

Great video very helpful, ...I will follow this with jack stands though, ...The tools used listed was the most helpful....Thank You Tim

[jmseltze]

Thanks again for the step by step. I got stuck at one point, but you pulled me through!

[Drundel]

Just put new pads on the front of my 2012 EX-L 2WD and it was pretty much the same, but it used 12mm nuts for the caliper and for the hose keeper. Thanks for the video.

[nosonf]

Great vid...thanks! Best part is the future mechanic! Fine looking young man there! 👍

[frankrichins]

Awesome video. Thank you for sharing 😊

[nurseitkalbaev]

Thanks . I saved $130 on brake pads replacement service fee at the shop.