The Complete 2017 Honda Fit Front Brake Pads Replacement and Maintenance Guide
Replacing the front brake pads on a 2017 Honda Fit is a straightforward maintenance task that most DIY enthusiasts can accomplish with basic tools, typically taking one to two hours. The process involves jacking up the vehicle, removing the wheels, compressing the brake caliper piston, swapping the old pads for new ones, and reassembling everything, with a critical final step of properly bedding-in the new pads. Performing this job yourself can save a significant amount of money compared to a mechanic's fee, but requires careful attention to safety and procedure to ensure the braking system functions correctly.
Understanding your vehicle's braking system is the first step to a successful pad replacement. The 2017 Honda Fit uses a front disc brake system. When you press the brake pedal, hydraulic pressure is sent to the brake caliper, which squeezes the brake pads against a rotating disc, or rotor. This friction creates the force that slows and stops the car. The brake pads are a sacrificial component, meaning they wear down over time. The front brakes typically wear out faster than the rear brakes because they handle a greater percentage of the stopping force. Recognizing the signs of wear before the pads are completely gone is essential for both safety and preventing damage to more expensive components like the rotors.
Several clear indicators signal that your 2017 Honda Fit's front brake pads may need attention. The most common sign is a high-pitched squealing or screeching noise when applying the brakes. Many brake pads have a built-in metal wear indicator that contacts the rotor when the pad material is low, creating this sound as an audible warning. A grinding or growling noise is a more serious sign, often indicating that the pad material is completely worn away and the metal backing plate is grinding against the rotor. This requires immediate attention, as it can quickly score and ruin the rotors. Other signs include a vibration or pulsation in the brake pedal when stopping, the vehicle pulling to one side during braking, a longer stopping distance, or a brake pedal that feels softer or sinks closer to the floor. A visual inspection can also confirm pad wear; through the spokes of the wheel, you can often see the outer brake pad and check the thickness of the friction material.
Before starting any work, gathering the right tools and materials is crucial for an efficient and safe job. You will need a floor jack and jack stands—never rely solely on a jack to support the vehicle. A lug wrench or impact wrench for removing the wheels is necessary. Basic hand tools including a socket set, wrenches, and a C-clamp or brake caliper piston tool are essential. You will also need the new 2017 Honda Fit front brake pads. It is highly recommended to purchase a quality brake pad set from a reputable brand. You may also need a can of brake cleaner to spray down the caliper and rotor, and a set of new brake pad hardware or shims if they are not included with your pad set. While not always required for a simple pad swap, having a brake bleeder kit on hand is good practice in case you need to open the brake fluid system.
Safety is the absolute top priority when working on your brakes. Always work on a flat, level, and solid surface like a concrete driveway or garage floor. Engage the parking brake firmly and use wheel chocks behind the rear wheels to prevent the car from rolling. Once the car is jacked up, always support it with jack stands placed at the manufacturer's designated lift points before getting underneath or placing your hands near the brakes. The braking system generates extreme heat, so ensure the components are completely cool to the touch before beginning work. Wear safety glasses to protect your eyes from brake dust and debris.
The step-by-step process for replacing the front brake pads on a 2017 Honda Fit is methodical. First, loosen the lug nuts on the front wheels slightly with the car still on the ground. Then, carefully jack up the front of the vehicle and place it securely on jack stands. You can now fully remove the lug nuts and take off the front wheels, placing them out of the way. With the wheel off, the brake caliper assembly is fully visible. It is mounted to the steering knuckle and contains the brake pads. Locate the two main caliper guide pins at the top and bottom of the caliper. Using the appropriate socket, remove the lower guide pin bolt. The caliper can now be pivoted upward from the bottom, hanging it from the upper guide pin. Use a piece of wire or a bungee cord to secure the caliper to the suspension spring; do not let it hang by the rubber brake hose, as this can damage it.
The old brake pads can now be removed from the caliper bracket. They may be held in by clips or pins. Take note of their orientation for installing the new ones. Before installing the new pads, the caliper piston must be compressed back into its bore to make room for the thicker, new pads. Place the old brake pad over the piston and use a large C-clamp or a dedicated piston tool to slowly and evenly press the piston back. It is critical to open the brake fluid reservoir cap in the engine bay before doing this, as the displaced fluid will need somewhere to go. Check the reservoir level as you compress the piston to ensure it does not overflow. If the fluid is old or dirty, this is an excellent opportunity to siphon some out and replace it with fresh fluid.
Thoroughly clean the caliper bracket where the new pads will sit using a brake parts cleaner spray and a wire brush. This removes built-up brake dust and debris that can prevent the new pads from seating correctly and cause noise. Apply a thin layer of high-temperature brake grease to the back plates of the new pads (where the shims contact the caliper piston) and to any contact points on the caliper bracket. This prevents brake squeal. Slide the new pads into place on the bracket, ensuring any clips or shims are oriented correctly. Carefully pivot the caliper back down over the new pads. Reinstall and torque the lower guide pin bolt to the manufacturer's specification, which is typically around 30 ft-lbs. Repeat this entire process for the brake pad on the other side of the vehicle.
Once both front brake pads are replaced, reinstall the wheels and lower the car to the ground. Torque the lug nuts to the proper specification in a star pattern. Before driving, pump the brake pedal several times until it feels firm. This is necessary to take up the slack in the hydraulic system created when you compressed the caliper pistons. The pedal may feel soft and go to the floor on the first push; this is normal. Continue pumping until the pedal resistance is normal.
The final and most critical step is the bedding-in process for the new brake pads. This deposits a layer of friction material onto the rotor surface, ensuring optimal braking performance and preventing premature wear or noise. To bed-in the pads, find a safe, empty road with little to no traffic. Accelerate to about 45 mph and then gently slow down to about 10 mph using moderate brake pressure. Do not come to a complete stop. Repeat this process 5 to 6 times, allowing about 30 seconds of driving between cycles for the brakes to cool slightly. Then, drive gently for the next few hundred miles, avoiding heavy braking whenever possible, to allow the pads and rotors to fully mate.
Choosing the right replacement pads is important for your driving needs. There are several types of brake pad materials. Ceramic pads are the most common upgrade for daily drivers. They offer excellent stopping power, produce very little dust, and are extremely quiet. They are a perfect choice for the 2017 Honda Fit. Semi-metallic pads are often used for performance driving. They handle heat very well but can produce more dust and be noisier. They may also cause increased rotor wear. Organic or Non-Asbestos Organic (NAO) pads are less common now. They are soft and quiet but wear out quickly and can fade under high temperatures.
It is often recommended to replace or resurface the brake rotors when installing new pads. If your old rotors are worn, scored, or warped, new pads will not seat correctly and performance will suffer. If the rotors are in good condition with no major grooves or warping, they can often be reused. However, for the best performance and longest pad life, having the rotors resurfaced on a brake lathe or replacing them is the ideal procedure. This ensures a perfectly flat, fresh surface for the new pads to bed against.
Proper maintenance after the replacement ensures longevity. Avoid harsh braking for the first 200-300 miles. Periodically check the brake fluid level in the reservoir. Be aware of any new noises or changes in pedal feel. After a few hundred miles, it is a good idea to re-torque the lug nuts and check the caliper guide pin bolts to ensure everything remains secure.
Understanding common issues after a pad replacement can help you troubleshoot. If you hear a constant grinding or metal-on-metal sound, it is possible a pad was installed incorrectly or a wear clip is touching the rotor. A squealing noise when not braking could be a missing anti-rattle clip. If the car pulls to one side, the caliper piston may not have been compressed fully, or the caliper slider pins may be sticking. A soft or spongy pedal often indicates air has entered the brake lines, which may require bleeding the brakes.
Knowing when to seek professional help is crucial. If you encounter severely rusted or seized components that you cannot remove, or if you accidentally damage a brake line, stop immediately and consult a mechanic. If you are unsure about any step in the process, or if the brake pedal feels abnormal after the repair, do not drive the car until a professional has inspected your work. Brakes are a critical safety system, and their proper function is non-negotiable.
In summary, replacing the 2017 Honda Fit front brake pads is a highly achievable DIY project that promotes vehicle understanding and saves money. By following a careful, safety-first approach, using the correct tools and quality parts, and completing the essential bedding-in process, you can ensure your Fit's braking system is restored to safe, reliable operation for thousands of miles to come. Regular inspection and timely replacement of worn components are the keys to maintaining the excellent braking performance that Honda designed into this vehicle.