DIY: Changing rear brake pads

[twistedframe]

Originally Posted by Da2ndCivic

Since this is for the rear disc brakes, the piston should be turned, not pushed back into the caliper. Pushing is fine for the front, but the rear shares braking components with the e-brakes, so pushing may cause damage to the e-brakes.

The grooves (pointed out in red) in the piston are there so that you can get a socket (i'm not sure the right term for it) to turn the piston back into the caliper.

Right, that is why you have to use the rear caliper compressor tool like i did. It spins the piston as it pushes it back.

[dannn]

Originally Posted by Da2ndCivic

Since this is for the rear disc brakes, the piston should be turned, not pushed back into the caliper. Pushing is fine for the front, but the rear shares braking components with the e-brakes, so pushing may cause damage to the e-brakes.

The grooves (pointed out in red) in the piston are there so that you can get a socket (i'm not sure the right term for it) to turn the piston back into the caliper.

yep you should use something like this

some calipers wont even allow you to compress the piston without turning it

[dannn]

Originally Posted by twistedframe

Right, that is why you have to use the rear caliper compressor tool like i did. It spins the piston as it pushes it back.

hmm yea looking at the tool again it looks like it does turn it at the same time.

[zid]

I have the stock brake lines on, and when I pull the caliper there is too much tension in the brake line and the handbrake cable (no the handbrake is not engaged). Did you do anything to loosen the cable? I noticed you had SS lines, so maybe you have more slack than with the stock rubber hose

[zid]

nevermind problem solved :P

[GG S.I]

I was thinking about doing this, but I have no idea where to get the brake compressor from. Is there something else I can use, or do I really need the compressor to do the job. I know that's probably a dumb question but I'm looking to do stuff for myself so I can know what the hell is going on instead of trusting a mechanic all the time.

[R4DG]

the compressor should be at any tool aisle at any auto parts store

Amazon.com: Lisle 28600 Brake Piston Tool: Automotive

the cube is designed to serve multiple vehicles, not just ours, so there are multiple sides

just figure out which side best fits the caliper piston and twist with a 3/8 drive wrench

[GG S.I]

Thx R4DG

[zid]

I just got one from a local auto parts store for $15

[R4DG]

loctite or antiseize on the caliper to caliper bridge bolt?

the debate rages on

[Elementalpuck]

I've never done this but was told it's pretty straight forward. I am going to change all four rotors and pads probably with stock. I have 50,000 on my car and it the pads have just started to look low. Just a few questions, where is the bleeder valve, and what is the proper way to bleed your brakes.

[R4DG]

okay

heres a picture of the civic si's front caliper



see the brass screw with the black rubber cap around it? thats the bleeder screw

now on to bleeding procedures itself:
the civic si bleeding procedure is Front Left caliper first then FR and then to the RR and then LR

okay to bleed the car itself, theres many videos online to demonstrate this tedious task
How to Use a Bleeder Wrench on Brakes | ExpertVillage Videos
How to Tighten a Brake Bleed | ExpertVillage Videos
How to Fill & Test Car Brake Fluid | ExpertVillage Videos

some quick notes there: try not to spill the brake fluid; top off brake fluid to the MAX level before moving to another caliper, dont let the master cylinder get empty!; use a different color brake fluid if you can to see when the oil fluid has been extracted; get a friend to help you and get him or her to sit in the car to push the brake pedal, not sitting outside because you might over reach the brake pedal; and of course use jack stands

i will probably do a DIY on it when I get my stimulus check and get better brakes

[crypt__keeper]

the brake lines seem to be too short to remove the caliper. They are already almost out of slack even before trying to remove it. Does anything else need to be done to pull it off? I'm afraid I will tear out the line!

[zid]

on the back right? theres a little bracket on the other side hub that has the line running through it. Unscrew the bolt and the lies will have enough slack.

[pkkid]

Guys you don't need any fancy tools like that compressor. Just use a pry bar or a large screwdriver and turn it back...

[twistedframe]

Originally Posted by pkkid

Guys you don't need any fancy tools like that compressor. Just use a pry bar or a large screwdriver and turn it back...

this does "work", but you run the risk of damaging the piston. I would rather spend $15 on the right tool than risk messing up the caliper. (No I'm not talking out of my ass, I've seen pistons get messed up using this method)

[pkkid]

Originally Posted by twistedframe

this does "work", but you run the risk of damaging the piston. I would rather spend $15 on the right tool than risk messing up the caliper. (No I'm not talking out of my ass, I've seen pistons get messed up using this method)

Whatever floats your boat sir, The tech I learned from at Honda showed me that way so it can't be all that bad.

[feli8187]

Hey Bro Do A Front DIY pad Change>?

[R4DG]

Originally Posted by pkkid

Whatever floats your boat sir, The tech I learned from at Honda showed me that way so it can't be all that bad.

well think about it, when the techs at honda **** up, they can always order and qaurenty a brake caliper

but when you are in front of your garage with a ****** up caliper, what are you going to do...

do it the right way, the first time

[zid]

Originally Posted by feli8187

Hey Bro Do A Front DIY pad Change>?

its the same