Brake Maintenance...

[joecollins2]

Time for some tech tlak instead of "post "whoring".....

 

You can save a great deal of money if you can take care of your brakes on your own. Honestly, there isn't much to it. Personally, I prefer to change the rotors along with the pads. An added bonus is that the price of rotors has drastically dropped in the past year!

 

Tools Necessary:

reliable socket set

hammer

high temp caliper lube

anti squeak lube

brake cleaner

large Screwdriver

impact driver (available from Sears or most automotive shops)

caliper piston compressing tool, front and rear (can be purchased at most automotive parts stores or Sears)

jack and jack stands

Note: I'll be discussing brake maintenance for a civic. The procedure will be correct for most automobiles where the differences will be minimal. My experience with drum brakes is very limited, so I won't be discussing them.

 

 

 

Removing the Outer Caliper

Obviously, you will need to raise the car and remove the wheels. Make sure you let the brakes cool. Once you have the car up and the wheels removed, you'll need to remove the caliper. To remove the caliper, on the EX and Si civics, there are two bolts (use a 14mm socket) that need to be removed. For the DX,CX,LX,VX,and S, there is one bolt on the bottom that needs to be removed; the top is pin on which the caliper pivots. Removing the outer component of the caliper will allow access to the pads. Use a wire to tie the caliper to the suspension; this will reduce stress on the brake lines.

 

Compressing the Piston

For front brakes, use a caliper compressing tool and an old pad to press the piston back into the caliper. This is necessary for the new pads and rotors to fit. Using one of the old pads, place the pad on the piston, and place the piston compressing tool between the pad and the caliper. Keep turning the tool until the piston is completely compressed.

 

Rear Disk Brakes

Rear disk brakes are a bit more difficult to compress. This is where more significant differences can be found between manufacturers. For civic rear brakes, you can use either a specific tool designed for rear disk brakes or use a pair of hefty needle nose pliers. You need to turn the piston clockwise while you push. A bit of spray lubricant is recommended to help free up the piston and prevent tearing the seal.

 

Rotor Removal

Once you compress the pistons it's time to remove the rotor. If you aren't changing the rotor then skip to pad replacement. You will need to remove the inner portion of the caliper. There will be two heavy bolts that need to be removed. On Civics, a 17mm socket must be used. After removing the inner portion of the caliper, set it aside.

 

Some auto manufacturers attach the rotor to the hub and others don't. The civic uses screw to attach the rotor. It is necessary to use an impact driver to remove the screws. The impact driver is essentially a spring loaded tool that will drive a bolt/screw by pounding it with a hammer. After you remove the screws the rotors are ready to be removed. I don't recommend turning rotors. Usually, most individuals have the rotors machined to eliminate warping. Only problem is that the rotors will warp very quickly after they have been reinstalled. If you are installing new rotors either use engine degreaser or brake cleaner to remove any grease or oil the rotors where shipped with. Line the holes for the screws with the corresponding holes in the hub and slide on the rotor. Replace the screws using the impact driver. Reinstall the inner portion of the caliper. Clean the inner caliper with brake cleaner.

 

Installing the Pads and Outer Caliper

Installing the pads isn't that tricky. Make sure all of the anti squeak hardware is exactly where you found it. Apply the anti squeak lube on the outside of the pad...not the inside. Slide the pads onto the inner caliper. Remove the wire that's holding the outer caliper and carefully slide it over the pads. Apply some high temp lube to the bolt/pins that hold the outer caliper to the inner caliper and reinstall them. Once you finish reassembling the brakes flush them thoroughly with brake cleaner.

 

For most pads make sure to allow for break in. You can very easily glaze most pads drastically reducing their effectiveness.

 

Aside from the differences in the pistons, the front and rear brakes are almost identical in terms of assembly. Pick up a Helm or Haynes manual for specific instructions or references. I will try to get pictures in the future.

 

Possible Upgrades:

There are several different upgrades you can choose from. The first possibility would be to pick up aftermarket rotors and Pads. EBC, Porterfield and OMP are a few examples.

 

With base model civics, a simple and cost effective upgrade would be to swap in EX brakes, front and rear or integra brakes front and rear. Necessary parts would include the front knuckle and caliper, and the rear brakes would require the trailing arm assembly, brake lines and cables for the e-brake.

 

If you already have an EX or an Integra, you may want to consider an upgrade that will allow you to use 15" wheels. Fast Brakes is a company that utilizes factory components to upgrade brakes. One option uses Prelude VTEC rotors redrilled to fit the civic's bolt pattern. Slightly modified Prelude VTEC/Integra Type R/Accord wagon calipers are then used with the larger rotors.

 

If more stopping power is necessary, there are several big brake upgrades that utilize 4 piston calipers and very large rotors. These kits will require the use of larger wheels in order to clear all of the equipment.

 

 

Have fun....