How To Replace Brakes on a Honda Civic

Start your DIY brake replacement project today with this helpful guide. Once you use a VIN lookup free online to find the exact brake components you need, it’s time to wheel your Honda Civic into your garage and prepare to replace your brakes. Don’t wait until your brakes fail, but replace your brake pads and inspect your rotors and calipers at the first signs of wear and poor braking power.

Prepare Your Workspace

Replacing your brakes requires plenty of room to work on all sides of your Civic. You’ll need to lift your car, remove all four wheels and have enough room to work around the brake rotors. Gather the wrenches, impact drivers, cleaners and other tools you may need to handle corroded, calipers and stubborn bolts.

Remove the Wheels

Start your project by lifting your vehicle and removing wheels. If you have a single lift, you’ll need to work on one wheel at a time. Complete car lifts allow you to access all four wheels at once, which can dramatically reduce the time and effort of replacing your brakes.

Remove and Inspect the Brake Caliper

You need to loosen or remove your brake calipers before you inspect your brake pads. They are typically attached by two 17mm bolts. You may need to remove your brake line to gain access to your brake calipers.

If you’re unsure how to replace brake pads, it’s important to follow these next steps carefully. Your brake calipers can be easily bent, damaged or corroded from years of use, so be cautious as you remove them and inspect them carefully. Even if your calipers don’t need to be replaced it’s still a good idea to completely remove them, as you can’t replace your brake pads when there’s tension on the brake lines.

Inspect Your Rotors

It isn’t always necessary to replace your Honda’s rotors with every brake replacement, but it’s a good idea to carefully inspect them. Clean them, if necessary, and replace them if there are signs of damage. A damaged rotor can quickly wear out your brake pads and reduce your braking efficiency, so be sure you replace all necessary parts to restore the safety of your Civic.

Take Off Old Brake Pads

Carefully remove your old brakes pads and properly dispose of them. Brake pads are subjected to a great deal of friction and are the first brake component to wear out. If there’s an issue with your brakes, your pads are probably due for a change.

Replace Brake Pads and Calipers

Carefully push back the caliper piston with a C-clamp or compression tool to safely insert new brake pads. Reinstall your brake rotors and calipers, or replace these parts as well. Once you have all the brake components safely and securely installed, pump your brakes a few times to ensure they are working.

Invest in Quality Brake Parts

Improve the lifetime of your brakes by investing in premium replacement brake pads. Shop online or contact your local auto parts store to discuss your brake pad options and ensure you choose the best options for your Honda Civic for a safe ride and efficient braking power.