Honda Civic brake replacement

[amdskip]

I have a 4 door manual 96 civic LX and we are trying to replace the front brake pads. Anyone have a link to a general guide on doing them? I have a repair manual coming in the mail but I need to get the brakes done soon. Don't flame me and tell me not to do them because the car is already jacked up on blocks and my dad is helping me. He has done many in his lifetime.

Thanks!

 

[josphII]

Originally posted by: amdskip
I have a 4 door manual 96 civic LX and we are trying to replace the front brake pads. Anyone have a link to a general guide on doing them? I have a repair manual coming in the mail but I need to get the brakes done soon. Don't flame me and tell me not to do them because the car is already jacked up on blocks and my dad is helping me. He has done many in his lifetime.

Thanks!

if your dad is helping you then why are you posting here?

anyways, take the wheel off of the rotor, turn the rotor all the way to one side and stick your head in the wheel well so you can see the backside of the rotor. you should then be able to see how to take the old pads off and put the new ones on. its not hard.

 

[notfred]

Take off wheel.
Take out bolt on brake caliper.
Lift caliper.
Remove Pads.
Replace pads.
Lower caliper.
Insert Bolt.
Attach wheel.

Repeat for other side of car.


If that's not detailed enough, go to an auto parts store and get the manual.

 

[amdskip]

I'm posting here because sometimes there are some tricks that can help out a lot.

 

[CraigRT]

it's freaking easy to change the pads... just pull off the caliper, pull the pads out and make notes of how it's done.. and just re-assemble.. it shouldn't be more than 1 or 2 bolts on the caliper, and maybe a clip or 2 for the pads...

 

[amdskip]

What does it take to get the top bolt out? Does it take a special tool? There is no "standard" head on the bolt.

 

[iamwiz82]

i have seen torx heads on brakes before, what shape is it?

 

[Thegonagle]

You won't need to stick your head in the wheel well if you turn the steering wheel toward the side you're working on.

If you're replacing rotors, note that they are held in position by two #3 phillips head machine screws. The usually need to be drilled out, so I always go to the dealership (Honda and Acura have them) and buy some extras (2 per side) BEFORE I start.

 

[Thegonagle]

If you're just replacing the pads, remove the lower caliper pin from behind. It should be a standard six-sided 14 mm (or was it 12 mm?) bolt head. After the lower pin is removed, you should be able to pivit the piston assembly up and out of the way on the upper pin. If the person selling you the new pads was competent, he also sold you some suitable grease for re-lubing the caliper pins. Use it!

Do not remove the entire caliper assembly, held on by the 17 mm bolts, unless you're removing the rotors. What you're doing, in effect by removing the pin, is partialy disassembling the calipers in place for easier access.

 

[amdskip]

It's like a round deal with a little piece of rubber in the middle. There is a clip that we removed with a vice grip on the outside of the wheel.

Edit: Got it, thanks! Might need some help putting it together now

 

[V00DOO]

A little tip: Open the Brake Fluid Cap on top of the engine and use a C Clam to push the brake fluid back so you can fit the new brake pads between the brake disk. You can get the C Clam from Home Depot for less than $5.00.