How to Replace Rear Brakes 01-05 Honda Civic

Difficulty: Advanced · About 90 min · Honda Civic

Replace the rear drum-in-hat parking brake shoes on a 2001–05 Honda Civic and adjust the shoe clearance before testing the service brakes.

Steps

1. Raise the car and remove the wheel

   Loosen the lug nuts, raise and securely support the rear of the car, then remove the wheel. Release the parking brake before attempting to remove the drum rotor.

2. Remove the rotor and shoe hardware

   Pull the rotor off, tapping it carefully if corrosion holds it. Note the shoe and spring layout, then remove the return springs and retaining clips while controlling the tensioned parts.

3. Remove the parking brake spreader

   Remove the spreader retaining clip and washer, then lift the spreader from the shoe. Keep the hardware in order so the replacement can be assembled in the same orientation.

4. Transfer the spreader

   Fit the spreader to the replacement shoe using its pin, washer, and retaining clip. Confirm the clip is fully seated and the spreader pivots freely.

5. Install and adjust the shoes

   Fit the shoes, adjuster, and springs in their original arrangement, reconnecting the parking cable carefully. Expand the star wheel until the rotor turns with slight, even shoe contact.

6. Reinstall the rotor and wheel

   Seat the rotor over the shoes and verify it rotates without binding. Reinstall the wheel, lower the vehicle, and torque the lug nuts to specification in a crossing pattern.

7. Check brake operation

   Pump the service brake pedal until firm and apply the parking brake to confirm it holds. Test the service brakes gently at low speed before normal driving.

Check your vehicle’s repair manual for exact specifications and fit.