2004 HONDA ELEMENT brake pads

If the brake pads need replacing, you
will hear a distinctive, metallic
screeching sound when you apply
the brake pedal. If you do not have
the brake pads replaced, they will
screech all the time. It is normal f or
the brakes to occasionally squeal or
squeak when you apply them.You will f eel a pulsation in the brake
pedal when the ABS activates, and
you may hear some noise. This is
normal: it is the ABS rapidly
pumpingthebrakes.Ondry
pavement, you will need to press on
thebrakepedalveryhardbeforethe
ABS activates. However, you may
feel the ABS activate immediately if
you are trying to stop on snow or ice.
The Anti-lock Brake System (ABS)
helps prevent the brakes f rom
locking up and helps you retain
steering control by pumping the
brakes rapidly, much f aster than a
person can do it.
The ABS also balances the f ront-to-
rear braking distribution according
to vehicle loading.
this def eats the purpose of the ABS.
Let the ABS work f or you by always
keeping f irm, steady pressure on the
brake pedal as you steer away from
the hazard. This is sometimes
ref erred to as ‘‘stomp and steer.’’
You should never pump the brake pedal;
Standard on EX models
Brake Wear Indicators Anti-lock Brakes
Braking System, Anti-lock Brakes (ABS)
Driving133
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Check the brake f luid level in the
reservoirs monthly. Replace brake
fluidaccordingtothetime
recommendation in the maintenance
schedule.
Always use Honda Heavy Duty
Brake Fluid DOT 3. If it is not
available, you should use only DOT 3
or DOT 4 f luid, f rom a sealed
container, as a temporary
replacement.
Using any non-Honda brake f luid can
cause corrosion and decrease the lif e
of the system. Have the brake
system f lushed and ref illed with
Honda Heavy Duty Brake Fluid
DOT 3 as soon as possible.The f luid level should be between
theMINandMAXmarksontheside
of the reservoir. If the level is at or
below the MIN mark, your brake
system needs attention. Have the
brake system inspected f or leaks or
worn brake pads.
The f luid level should be between
theMINandMAXmarksontheside
of the reservoir. If it is not, add
brake f luid to bring it up to that level.
Use the same fluid specified for the
brake system.
Low f luid level can indicate a leak in
the clutch system. Have this system
inspected as soon as possible.
Brake f luid marked DOT 5 is not
compatible with your vehicle’s
braking system and can cause
extensive damage.Manual Transmission only
Brake Fluid
Clutch Fluid
Brake and Clutch Fluid
Maint enance164
MAX
MIN MAX
MIN
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However, if the brake pedal does not
f eel normal, you should take
immediate action. A problem in one
part of the system’s dual circuit
design will still give you braking at
two wheels. You will f eel the brake
pedal go down much f arther bef ore
the vehicle begins to slow down, and
you will have to press harder on the
pedal.
If you must drive the vehicle a short
distance in this condition, drive
slowly and caref ully.
Slow down by shif ting to a lower
gear, and pull to the side of the road
when it is saf e. Because of the long
distance needed to stop, it is
hazardous to drive the vehicle. You
should have it towed and repaired as
soon as possible (see
on page ).
If the brake system
indicator comes on while
driving, the brake f luid
level is probably low. Press
lightly on the brake pedal if
it f eels normal. If it does
not, check the brake f luid
level the next time you stop
at a service station (see
page ).
If the f luid level is low, take your
vehicle to a dealer and have the
brake system inspected f or leaks or
worn brake pads. 164
195Emergency
Towing
Brake System Indicator
T aking Care of t he Unexpect ed194
Canada U.S.
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