How to Install Rear Disc Brake Pads in a 1995 Honda Civic DX

The 1995 Honda Civic DX featured a disc brake system for the rear brakes. The rear brake calipers on the DX have a screw-type piston that will require a special tool known as a screw-type piston compressor to compress the piston fully into the piston bore. The screw-type piston compressor sits in grooves built into the end of the piston; when the tool is turned it will turn the piston back into the bore of the caliper.

Instructions

Break loose the lug nuts with the lug wrench, but do not remove them. Lift the vehicle into the air with the floor jack. Place the jack stands under the rear frame rails of the vehicle and lower the floor jack until the vehicle rests securely on the jack stands. Remove the lug nuts with the lug wrench and remove the wheels from the vehicle.

Lift the vehicle hood and support it with the hood prop rod. Remove the brake master cylinder lid. If the brake fluid reservoir is more than half full, it will be necessary to remove some of the fluid so that the reservoir is about half full. Remove the fluid with a turkey baster or similar tool to prevent overflow later in the process.

Remove the two caliper mounting bolts with the 14 mm socket and ratchet. Pry the caliper away from the rotor and caliper bracket gently with the small pry bar. Hang the caliper from the rear coil spring with the mechanics wire. Remove the old brake pads and brake pad shims from the caliper.

Assemble the piston compression tool according to the instructions included with the kit. Place the piston compression tool into the groves built into the end of the brake piston. Support the caliper with one hand and turn the compression tool clockwise so that the piston turns clockwise and compresses fully into its bore.

Apply brake grease to the back of the new brake pads. Apply grease to the new brake shims (included with the new brake pads) and attach the shims to the new brake bads. Place the new brake pads onto the caliper.

Support the caliper with one hand and remove the mechanics wire. Slide the caliper and pads over the rotor until the caliper bolt holes line up with the caliper bracket. Install the caliper mounting bolts and tighten to 30 foot-pounds torque with the torque wrench.

Place the rear wheels back onto the vehicle. Tighten the lug nuts until they are hand-tight. Lift the vehicle off of the jack stands with the floor jack and remove the jack stands. Lower the vehicle to the ground. Tighten all lug nuts to 80 foot-pounds torque with the torque wrench.

Check the brake fluid reservoir to ensure the fluid level is full. Place the reservoir cap onto the reservoir and shut the vehicle hood. Start the vehicle and pump the brakes five times to properly adjust the new brake pads.