Drum Brake Hardware Kit

This procedure replaces the drum brake hardware kit on the rear brakes of a 2018-2024 Honda Accord 1.5L Turbo, including springs, adjusters, and hold-down clips to restore proper drum brake function.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Drum brake hardware kit (rear) × 2 — Use Honda OEM or equivalent quality kit
• High-temperature brake grease × 1 — Use brake-specific lubricant
• Brake cleaner × 1 — Non-chlorinated aerosol

Preparation

1. Verify the vehicle is equipped with rear drum brakes (not all Accord trims use drums)
2. Park vehicle on level, solid ground and engage parking brake
3. Place wheel chocks in front of front wheels
4. Loosen rear wheel lug nuts while vehicle is on ground (do not remove)
5. Raise rear of vehicle with floor jack at designated lift points
6. Support vehicle securely on jack stands at manufacturer-specified points
7. Remove rear wheels completely
8. Release parking brake to allow drum removal
9. Lay out clean work area to organize old and new hardware components

Procedure

1. 1

   Remove brake drum
   Remove the drum retaining screw if present. Attempt to pull the drum straight off the hub. If drum is stuck due to rust or brake shoe contact, use two M8x1.25 bolts threaded into the drum's threaded holes to push the drum off evenly. If still stuck, back off the brake shoe adjuster through the adjustment hole in the backing plate using a brake spoon. Tap gently with rubber mallet if necessary. Once removed, hang drum aside.
2. 2

   Document and photograph assembly
   Before removing any components, take clear photographs of the brake assembly from multiple angles showing spring positions, adjuster orientation, and hardware placement. This will serve as reference during reassembly. Pay special attention to which direction springs hook and the position of the adjuster mechanism.
3. 3

   Remove return springs
   Using brake spring pliers, carefully remove the upper and lower return springs. These are the large springs connecting the two brake shoes. Work slowly to avoid spring slippage which can cause injury. Note the specific anchor points and hook orientations for each spring. The upper spring is typically under more tension.
4. 4

   Remove hold-down springs and pins
   Remove the brake shoe hold-down springs and pins. These are located in the center of each brake shoe. Use brake spring pliers or a hold-down spring tool to compress and rotate the retainer cup 90 degrees, then release tension to remove. Remove both the spring and backing pin from each shoe. Keep track of which components go with which shoe if they differ.
5. 5

   Remove brake shoes and adjuster
   Disconnect the parking brake cable from the parking brake lever on the rear shoe. Carefully separate the brake shoes from the backing plate, keeping them together as an assembly. Remove the adjuster mechanism (star wheel assembly) connecting the two shoes. Note the orientation of the adjuster - the star wheel should face the correct direction for adjustment access.
6. 6

   Remove old hardware from shoes
   Separate the brake shoes completely. Remove the parking brake lever and spring from the rear shoe by removing the retaining clip or pin. Remove any anti-rattle clips, springs, or other hardware still attached to the shoes. Lay out all old hardware next to new kit components to verify complete replacement.
7. 7

   Clean and inspect backing plate
   Spray backing plate thoroughly with brake cleaner, catching runoff with shop rags. Never use compressed air on brake dust. Wire brush the six raised shoe contact pads on the backing plate where shoes ride. Inspect wheel cylinder for any signs of leakage (fluid weeping from dust boots). Inspect backing plate for cracks or damage. Clean the parking brake cable and lever mechanism.
8. 8

   Lubricate backing plate contact points
   Apply a thin layer of high-temperature brake grease to the six raised contact pads on the backing plate where the brake shoe webs will ride. Also apply a small amount to the parking brake cable end and pivot points. Do not allow grease to contact the friction surface of new shoes or drum interior. Use grease sparingly.
9. 9

   Install new hardware on brake shoes
   Using your new hardware kit and reference photos, install the parking brake lever onto the appropriate shoe (typically rear/trailing shoe) with new spring and retaining clip. Install any new anti-rattle springs or clips included in the kit. Ensure the parking brake lever moves freely. Clean the adjuster threads and apply light high-temp grease, then back the star wheel all the way in to minimum length.
10. 10

    Install brake shoes with adjuster
    Connect the adjuster between the two brake shoes in the correct orientation (reference photos). Connect the parking brake cable to the lever. Position the shoe assembly onto the backing plate, seating the shoes into the wheel cylinder slots at the top and anchor pin or slots at the bottom. Verify shoes are properly seated before installing springs.
11. 11

    Install hold-down springs and pins
    Install the hold-down pins from the rear of the backing plate through the shoe webs. Place the hold-down springs and retainer cups over the pins and compress/rotate 90 degrees to lock in place using brake spring pliers. Verify both shoes are held securely against the backing plate.
12. 12

    Install return springs
    Install the new return springs according to your reference photos. Use brake spring pliers to stretch springs into position. Typically install the lower return spring first, then the upper spring. Verify springs are fully seated in their anchor holes and pulling the shoes into correct position. The shoes should be centered on the backing plate.
13. 13

    Install drum and adjust shoes
    Clean the inside of the brake drum with brake cleaner. Inspect drum for cracks, scoring, or excessive wear. Install drum over brake assembly (may require tapping with rubber mallet). Through the adjustment hole in backing plate, use brake spoon to rotate star wheel adjuster until shoes contact drum and drum becomes difficult to turn. Then back off adjuster 8-10 clicks until drum rotates freely with only slight drag. Install drum retaining screw if equipped.
14. 14

    Repeat for opposite side
    Perform the entire procedure on the opposite rear wheel, using the first completed side as reference if needed. Ensure both sides are adjusted to similar drag specifications for even braking.
15. 15

    Install wheels and perform final checks
    Install rear wheels and hand-tighten lug nuts in star pattern. Lower vehicle until wheels just contact ground. Torque lug nuts to specification in star pattern. Fully lower vehicle and remove jack stands. Pump brake pedal slowly and firmly 10-15 times until pedal becomes firm to seat the brake shoes. Check brake pedal feel and ensure parking brake holds vehicle on incline.
    Torque spec

    Wheel Lug Nuts140 Nm (103 lb-ft)

Reassembly

1. Ensure both rear drums rotate with equal, slight drag when spun by hand
2. Verify parking brake lever inside vehicle engages with normal travel (typically 4-8 clicks)
3. Both brake assemblies should mirror each other in component placement and spring tension

Verification

• Pump brake pedal firmly multiple times - pedal should become firm and hold steady pressure without sinking
• Test parking brake hold on slight incline - vehicle should not roll
• Perform careful low-speed brake test in safe area - braking should be smooth without pulling to either side
• Listen for any unusual noises during initial brake applications - slight noise for first few stops is normal as shoes seat
• After 50-100 miles, re-check brake adjustment through access holes - readjust if excessive pedal travel develops
• CRITICAL: Before returning vehicle to normal service, perform brake test at progressively higher speeds in safe area to verify proper brake function and absence of pull or grabbing

More procedures for this vehicle