How to Change the Brakes on a 1997 Honda Civic DX

The Honda Civic DX coupe has a 1,590cc, 1.6-liter engine, and great fuel economy. With an engine of 106 horsepower and 4 cylinders, this zippy little car is a great middle ground between a stylish and powerful sports car and safe and practical sedan. On every car, no made how well made, over time the brake pads wear out and need replacing. This can cost hundreds of dollars at the local auto shop, but the good news is that just about anyone can change their own brakes on a Civic.

Instructions

1

Loosen the lug nuts on the wheel. To do this, use your tire wrench and turn the lugs 45 degrees counter-clockwise.

2

Jack up the vehicle. To do this, find a support strut. You can use your manual to find the appropriate strut. Lower the car onto the jack stands.

3

Remove all the lug nuts (be sure the car is secure on the jack stands), then pull the wheel off of the wheel hub and set it aside.

4

Remove the caliper mounting bracket. To do this, use your socket wrench to remove the two bolts. Then, after it is removed, tie it to the wheel well with twine to keep it from putting strain on the brake line.

5

Remove the brake pads. Loosen them and pull them free.

6

Compress the caliper. Use your C-clamp to do this.

7

Insert the new brake pads into the caliper assembly, and reinstall the caliper mounting bracket.

8

Put the wheel back onto the hub and tighten the lug nuts with the tire wrench. Lower the car with the jack and finish turning the lug nuts to 100 ft. lbs.