I have a 1998 Honda Civic EX. Yesterday I replaced the front pads and rear shoes. The front disks were shot and I had to buy new ones. The rear drums were able to be turned. Installed everything, and it went smooth. I did notice though that when I started the vehicle the brake pedal was very soft and had to be pumped to stop. No fluid leaking and I did not open the system. It had the same feeling when I replaced the brakes on an older truck a few months ago and did not adjust the rear drums correctly.

So I pulled the drums off and moved the star adjuster out until the drum was able to slip over the shoes with just a little friction (I did not want too much friction, I was afraid I would warp or burn out the drum/pads). It improved a little but still the pedal is a little soft. I applied the barking brake several times, drove forward, the backwards etc for about ten minutes. It improved better, but still softer than it was before the brake job. Fluid levels have not dropped.

Is it safe to assume that the brakes will adjust themselves within a few days? If not how in the hell do I adjust them? I know on my older truck there is a small access hole in the drum that allows you to turn the star adjuster. I did not see one on the Honda. Any help appreciated. Thanks.

Calipers are fairly new, slide pins lubed, etc. brakes done according to book...

 

Bump.... anyone?

 

Are the brakes staying firm after you've been on them for a while? The pedal isn't dropping to floor after a few seconds, is it?

I had problems with my brakes being soft and it ended up being that my vacuum booster had a bad seal. But, my pedal would drop to the floor boards if I stayed on it.

You said you did the reverse and come to a stop trick to self-adjust the drums, right?

I'm going to ask the obvious question to get it out of the way, you didn't open the system at all did you? Maybe you pushed the hydraulic pin out changing the rear shoes and a some fluid leaked out?

 

Well, on the pass rear, the piston did pop out of the cylinder (not all the way), and fluid did come out. I didn't think anything of it. ****, did I get air into the cylinder??? If so, I would only need to bleed that side, correct? If so, how would I bleed it with a vac pump and reservoir? Also, would that cause the softness in the entire system???? Thanks again!

 

I would bleed all 4.

 

Thanks. Will use my vac pump tonight. Does Honda use DOT 3 fluid?

 

Yeah, some air probably got into the system. How much? I don't know. Is that your entire problem? I don't know. But, it's at least a portion of the problem.

It's ALWAYS a good idea to bleed all four corners. I know it's a bitch but these are your brakes. Why risk a failure?

I'm not sure if you can bleed your brake booster. I'll differ that response to someone else who's more experienced. I replaced my brake booster when I upgraded to a larger master cylinder (MC). You shouldn't have to bleed your MC as long as you don't let the fluid drop down too low. But, it sounds like you know that already. If your pedal isn't sinking to the floor while your car is running, your brake booster is probably fine.

 

I'm pretty sure it says on the MC cap. Not at my car to verify ATM. NAPA or Autozone would probably know.

 

Drums are a self-adjusting system. After you've bled the brakes, put it in reverse, get it up to about 10, then slam on the brakes. Repeat a couple times.

 

Thanks. What is the bleeding procedure? Which wheel do I start at? Thanks!

 

Right rear, left rear, right front, left front

 

I could be wrong, but I believe it's RR LR RF LF.

 

What size is the bleed nut? ****, I don't think I have any metric open end wrenches...

 

I want to say 10mm for the bleed nut.

 

8mm for rear drum bleed screws, 10mm for the front caliper bleed screws.

 

Yea....your right, the rear is 8mm.... I always complain about needing two wrenches when Im futzing with my brakes.

 

Bled brakes last night and pedal is firm. Thanks!

 

Great work soldier.

 

Fluid looked like ****. Used a good synthetic and ran each line with the vac pump until it was clean and clear.

 

Maybe I'm a perfectionist, but I wouldn't put anything but Honda brake fluid in my brake or clutch systems.