Steps to Replace Rear Drum Brakes on a Honda Civic Easily and Efficiently

How to Change Rear Drum Brakes on a Honda Civic

Changing the rear drum brakes on your Honda Civic is a task that saves you money and keeps your vehicle's braking system functioning optimally. While it may seem intimidating for those who haven't worked on cars before, with the right tools and guidance, you can achieve this task with relative ease. In this article, we will guide you through the steps needed to change the rear drum brakes on a Honda Civic.

Tools and Materials Needed

Before you begin, it’s essential to gather the necessary tools and materials. You will need

- Jack and jack stands - Lug wrench - Brake drum puller (optional, but helpful) - Screwdriver (flathead and Phillips) - Pliers - New brake shoes - Brake cleaner - Rags or paper towels - Torque wrench

Step 1 Prepare Your Vehicle

Begin by parking your Honda Civic on a level surface and engaging the parking brake. Ensure the engine is off and that you have all your tools nearby.

1. Loosen the Lug Nuts Using the lug wrench, slightly loosen the lug nuts on the rear wheels. Do not remove them yet; just break the initial resistance.

2. Raise the Vehicle Place the jack under the rear jacking point of your Civic and lift the vehicle until the rear wheels are off the ground. Secure the vehicle with jack stands for safety.

3. Remove the Wheels Now that the car is secure, remove the loosened lug nuts and take off the rear wheels to access the drum brakes.

Step 2 Remove the Brake Drums

With the wheels off, you can now focus on the brake drums.

1. Inspect for Retaining Screws Some Honda Civics have retaining screws holding the brake drum in place. If yours does, use a screwdriver to remove them.

2. Remove the Brake Drum If the drum is stuck due to corrosion or residue, gently tap it with a hammer or use a brake drum puller to release it. Avoid excessive force, as this could damage the drum.

Now that the drum is off, you can see the brake shoes and hardware.

1. Take Note of the Setup Before disassembly, take a photo or make a diagram of the existing setup. This will help during reinstallation.

2. Remove the Old Shoes Carefully detach the springs and clips. Use pliers if needed. Make sure to remove the adjuster mechanism if necessary.

3. Clean the Drums Before installing the new shoes, clean the insides of the drum with brake cleaner. This removes debris and ensures proper contact with the new shoes.

4. Install the New Shoes Start by placing the new brake shoes in the same configuration as the old ones. Follow your reference photo or diagram. Make sure the springs and clips are securely attached.

Step 4 Reassemble Everything

1. Reattach the Brake Drums Once the new shoes are in place, slide the brake drum back onto the assembly.

2. Secure Everything If there were retaining screws, reinsert them. Make sure everything is secure and there are no loose parts.

3. Reinstall the Wheels Place the rear wheels back onto the hub, hand-tightening the lug nuts.

Step 5 Lower the Vehicle and Test the Brakes

1. Lower the Vehicle Carefully remove the jack stands and lower the car back to the ground with the jack.

2. Tighten the Lug Nuts Once the vehicle is on the ground, use the torque wrench to tighten the lug nuts to the manufacturer’s specifications.

3. Test the Brakes Before hitting the road, pump the brake pedal a few times to ensure the new shoes are properly seated and the brakes are functioning correctly.

Conclusion

Changing the rear drum brakes on your Honda Civic can be a rewarding DIY project that saves you money and enhances your vehicle’s performance. By following these steps carefully, you can ensure your braking system remains in top shape, providing you with safety and peace of mind on the road. Always consult your owner’s manual for specific instructions related to your Civic model, and don’t hesitate to seek help if needed. Happy wrenching!