I have a 98 civic ex. When I brake I hear squealing noise from the rear end. Could this be the brake shoes? or the pads. When I went to kragen the counter salesman said its rare that you change the rear pads for this car and it should be the brake shoes. Is he right?

 

It is rare, but possible. The good news is, it's an easy/cheap fix. Try it and see if it solves the problem.

 

Is it easy to change the brake shoes on your own. I usually try do my own repairs if I know I am capable of doing it.

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by vltnolia &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">Is it easy to change the brake shoes on your own. I usually try do my own repairs if I know I am capable of doing it. </TD></TR></TABLE>

yes the rear are easier to change then the front

 

Can you give me any info on how to change it? its a 98 civic ex. Do I have to buy a hardware kit if I do decide to repair the shoes or can I use the old ones?

 

Usually a good idea to get new hardware. Once again, it's an easy job. Pick up manual for your car if you're really concerned.

 

I just swapped my old ones for new ones. Wasn't to hard to do but it took me 2 hours to do the left side and an hour to do the other. I say pretty good job for doing this my first time. Okay, I swapped them out and there is no more squealing. But, the brakes feel a lot softer then before and I have to pull the ebrake a little bit more then before in order for the car to stop. Is this normal? I tighten the clevis A and B a little tighter then before. Could this be the cause?

 

if its drum breaks you have to make sure when u put it all back together it has minimal play, so when u spin it there is a little resistance so that its a tight fit but not too tight. if done that then check all springs. thats just my advice