How to Install Rotors on 2003 Civic

You can install new brake rotors on your Honda Civic in your driveway, so there is no need of wasting money at an auto repair shop to get the job done. How often you need to change them depends on the amount of use they get. As you depress the brake pedal, fluid pushes the brake pads against the brake rotors. When you permit the brake pads to wear beyond the recommended thickness, the rivets will begin to cut grooves into the rotors. Brake rotors can be damaged other ways as well, but brake pad wear is the most common.

Instructions

1

Open the engine compartment of the Civic. Remove half of the brake fluid from the master cylinder using the turkey baster. Place the fluid in the drain pan for future recycling. The brake master cylinder is on the back firewall of the engine compartment, on the driver's side.

2

Place the wheel chocks behind the rear wheels of the Civic. Raise the car up with the automobile jack. Place a jack stand under the car near the jacking point, and raise it to the frame. Remove the lug nuts from the wheel with the lug wrench, and pull the wheel off the car.

3

Remove the brake caliper bolts using a socket and ratchet. Secure the caliper to the strut using a wire tie. Remove the caliper mounting bracket using the socket and ratchet to remove the bolts. Remove the rotor retaining screws from the rotor using a screwdriver, and pull the rotor away from the wheel assembly.

4

Put the new rotor on the wheel assembly, and secure it with the retaining screws. Install the caliper mounting bracket, and tighten the bolts with the socket and ratchet. Cut the wire tie holding the caliper to the strut with the pliers. Place the caliper in the mounting bracket, and tighten the bolts with the socket and ratchet.

5

Put the wheel back on the Civic and tighten the lug nuts with the lug wrench. Remove the jack stand from under the car. Lower the Honda to the ground. Repeat the process on the other wheel.

6

Pump the brakes several times after both rotors are changed to make sure the brake pads seat themselves against the rotors. Add fresh brake fluid as needed.