How to Replace Brake Pads on a Civic
- 1). Set the Civic's emergency brake after you've parked it on level ground. Release the hood and unscrew the master cylinder cap.
- 2). Use the lug wrench supplied with the Civic or a correct-size socket to break loose the lug nuts on the wheel you have elected to work on first.
- 3). Place the car jack under the Civic. For changing the pads on front disc brakes, the designated jack spot is just behind the front tire, which is usually marked by a small notch or bolt head. Lift the Civic so that the tire is roughly an inch off the ground.
- 4). Finish unscrewing each of the lug nuts you've loosened and pull the wheel off of the car. Take a moment to spray the complete brake assembly with a bit of brake cleaner.
- 5). Use the proper wrench or socket to remove the two mounting bolts on the brake caliper. The bolts are found on the back side of the caliper; one on top and another on the bottom.
- 6). Pull the caliper from the rotor and unclip the worn/old brake pads. Hold on to one of the old pads and rest it against the caliper piston. Fasten the C-clamp to the caliper and turn it until it is tight against the old pad. Keep turning the clamp until you've successfully compressed the piston into the caliper body.
- 7). Unfasten the C-clamp and set it aside, as well as the old pad. Clip both new pads into place. Make certain the new pads fit snugly and sit in the same position as the old ones.
- 8). Return the caliper to its normal position and insert the mounting bolts. Tighten both the top and bottom bolts.
- 9). Bolt the wheel/tire back into place and lower the Civic to the ground. Tighten all lug nuts. Duplicate the procedure to replace the brake pads on the opposite side of the car. When you're done, add brake fluid (if necessary) to the master cylinder and securely screw its cap back into place. When you start the Civic, pump its brake pedal a few times until it regains its firmness.
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