Guide to Replacing Rear Drum Brakes on a Honda Civic in Simple Steps

How to Change Honda Civic Rear Drum Brakes

Changing the rear drum brakes on a Honda Civic can seem daunting, but with the right tools and a little guidance, you can complete this maintenance task yourself. Regularly replacing your brakes is essential for vehicle safety, and doing it yourself can save you money in labor costs. This article will guide you through the process step-by-step to ensure you do the job effectively.

Tools and Materials Required

Before starting, gather the following tools and materials

1. Tools - Lug wrench - Jack and jack stands - Brake drum puller (if necessary) - Screwdrivers (flathead and Phillips) - Pliers - C-clamp - Torque wrench

2. Materials - New brake shoes - Brake drum cleaning solution or brake cleaner - Brake grease - Anti-seize lubricant (optional)

Step-by-Step Guide

Step 1 Safety First

Make sure your Honda Civic is parked on a flat surface, engage the parking brake, and turn off the ignition. Wearing safety goggles and gloves is highly recommended to protect yourself during the process.

Step 2 Remove the Wheel

Using a lug wrench, loosen the lug nuts of the rear wheel you will be working on. Once loosened, use your jack to lift the vehicle and securely place it on jack stands. After ensuring the car is stable, completely remove the lug nuts and take off the wheel.

With the wheel removed, inspect the brake drum. If the drum is stuck due to rust or debris, you may need a brake drum puller. If the brake drum is loose, you can usually just pull it right off. If you encounter resistance, use the puller to safely remove the drum.

Step 4 Inspect and Remove Old Brake Components

Once the drum is off, take a good look at the brake components. Observe how the old shoes are mounted by noting their configuration or taking a quick picture for reference. Remove any retaining springs and the old brake shoes. Keep the hardware, as most of it can be reused, but it’s good practice to replace the springs as they wear over time.

Step 5 Prepare New Brake Shoes

Before installing the new brake shoes, clean the brake drum with a suitable cleaner to remove any dust or grease. Then, apply brake grease to the contact points of the new shoes where they touch the backing plate. This helps reduce noise and prolongs the life of the brakes.

Step 6 Install New Brake Shoes

Install the new brake shoes in the same configuration as the old ones. Reattach the retaining clips and springs, being sure that everything is positioned correctly. Make sure that the shoes move freely without binding. If you have difficulty with the springs, you can use pliers to pull them into place.

Step 7 Reinstall the Brake Drum

Once the new shoes are in place, carefully reinstall the brake drum. Rotate it to ensure it spins freely without any resistance. If it doesn't fit easily, you might need to adjust the adjustment wheel (if equipped) to decrease the size and allow the drum to fit over the shoes properly.

Step 8 Reattach the Wheel

With the drum securely mounted, place the wheel back onto the hub. Hand-tighten the lug nuts, then lower the car back to the ground. Once it is stable, use the lug wrench to fully tighten the lug nuts in a crisscross pattern to ensure even fastening.

Step 9 Test the Brakes

Before driving, pump the brake pedal a few times to seat the new shoes against the drum. This action ensures they are properly aligned. Lastly, take the Civic for a short test drive at low speed, listening for any unusual noises and confirming that the brakes respond correctly.

Conclusion

Changing the rear drum brakes on your Honda Civic is a straightforward job that can save you both time and money. By following these steps carefully and taking proper safety precautions, you can maintain your vehicle’s braking system effectively. Remember, if you're ever uncertain about the process, consult a professional mechanic to ensure your safety and the functionality of your brakes. Regular brake maintenance is vital for driving safety, so keep an eye on your braking system for optimal performance.