Wheel Cylinder

This procedure covers the replacement of rear wheel cylinders on the 2018-2024 Honda Accord 1.5L Turbo, including drum removal, brake shoe disassembly, cylinder replacement, and brake system bleeding.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Rear wheel cylinder × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Brake hardware spring kit (recommended) × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Brake drum (if worn beyond specification) × 1 — Use OEM specification

Fluids

• DOT 3 Brake Fluid — 1 qt

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level surface and engage parking brake
2. Loosen rear wheel lug nuts while vehicle is on ground
3. Raise rear of vehicle and support securely on jack stands
4. Remove rear wheel
5. Release parking brake to allow drum removal
6. Have DOT 3 brake fluid and bleeding equipment ready

Procedure

1. 1

   Remove brake drum
   Remove the brake drum by pulling straight off the hub. If drum is stuck, use two 8mm bolts threaded into the drum puller holes to push against the hub. Do not strike the drum with a hammer as this may damage the wheel cylinder. If drum is severely corroded or seized, spray penetrating oil around the center hub and let sit for 10 minutes.
2. 2

   Inspect brake components
   Inspect the brake shoes, springs, and wheel cylinder for leaks or damage. Check for fluid leakage around the wheel cylinder boots. If cylinder is leaking, fluid will be visible on the brake shoes and backing plate. Take photos of spring positions for reassembly reference before disassembly.
3. 3

   Remove brake shoe return springs
   Using brake spring pliers, carefully remove the upper and lower return springs from the brake shoes. Remove the adjuster spring and adjuster lever. Note the orientation of all components. The springs are under tension, so control them carefully to avoid injury or losing small parts.
   ⚠Brake return springs are under significant tension. Wear safety glasses and ensure springs are controlled during removal to prevent injury.
4. 4

   Remove brake shoes
   Remove the brake shoe hold-down springs by pressing and rotating the retainer cups 90 degrees. Disconnect the parking brake cable from the rear shoe lever. Remove both brake shoes as an assembly with the adjuster mechanism attached. Keep the adjuster screw clean and note its position for reinstallation.
5. 5

   Disconnect brake line from wheel cylinder
   Using a flare nut wrench, carefully loosen and remove the brake line fitting from the rear of the wheel cylinder. Be gentle to avoid stripping or damaging the brake line nut. Allow brake fluid to drain into a catch pan. Immediately plug the brake line with a rubber cap or clean rag to minimize fluid loss and prevent contamination.
   ⚠Brake fluid will drip from the line. Position catch pan and have rags ready. Prevent brake fluid from contacting painted surfaces or the brake assembly.
6. 6

   Remove wheel cylinder mounting bolts
   Remove the two wheel cylinder mounting bolts from the backing plate using a 10mm or 12mm socket. The bolts are accessed from the rear of the backing plate. Remove the wheel cylinder from the backing plate and discard the old cylinder. Clean the mounting surface on the backing plate with a wire brush and brake parts cleaner.
   Torque spec

   Mounting Bolts26 Nm (19 lb-ft)
7. 7

   Install new wheel cylinder
   Position the new wheel cylinder on the backing plate, ensuring the bleeder screw is oriented upward for proper bleeding. Install the mounting bolts finger-tight, then torque to specification. Do not overtighten as the backing plate can be damaged. Connect the brake line to the wheel cylinder and tighten the flare nut securely with a flare nut wrench, being careful not to cross-thread.
   Torque spec

   Mounting Bolts26 Nm (19 lb-ft)
8. 8

   Reinstall brake shoes and hardware
   Clean the brake shoe contact points on the backing plate and apply a thin coat of high-temperature brake grease. Reinstall the brake shoes with adjuster mechanism, ensuring the adjuster is on the correct side and properly positioned. Reconnect the parking brake cable to the lever. Install the hold-down springs, adjuster lever, adjuster spring, and return springs in reverse order of removal. Reference photos taken during disassembly.
9. 9

   Adjust brake shoes
   Rotate the adjuster star wheel to expand the brake shoes until the drum slides on with slight drag. Then back off the adjuster 3-4 clicks until the drum rotates freely with minimal drag. The brake should self-adjust during initial use, but proper initial adjustment is important for proper pedal feel.
10. 10

    Reinstall brake drum
    Clean the inside of the brake drum with brake parts cleaner. Slide the drum onto the hub, ensuring it seats fully. If drum does not fit, back off the brake shoe adjuster further. Once drum is installed, verify it rotates freely without excessive drag.
11. 11

    Bleed the brake system
    Fill the master cylinder reservoir with fresh DOT 3 brake fluid to the MAX line. Attach a clear hose to the wheel cylinder bleeder screw and submerge the other end in a container with clean brake fluid. Open the bleeder screw slightly, then have an assistant slowly press the brake pedal to the floor and hold. Close the bleeder screw before the pedal is released. Repeat this process until no air bubbles are visible in the hose and fluid flows clear. Torque the bleeder screw to specification and do not overtighten. Check and refill the master cylinder reservoir as needed during bleeding.
    ⚠Never allow the master cylinder reservoir to run empty during bleeding, as this will introduce air into the ABS system requiring more extensive bleeding procedures.
    Torque spec

    Bleeder Screw10 Nm (7 lb-ft)
12. 12

    Reinstall wheel and test
    Reinstall the wheel and hand-tighten the lug nuts in a star pattern. Lower the vehicle until the tire contacts the ground but still supports most of the vehicle weight. Torque the lug nuts to specification in a star pattern. Fully lower the vehicle and remove jack stands.
    Torque spec

    Wheel Lug Nuts140 Nm (103 lb-ft)

Reassembly

1. If replacing both rear wheel cylinders, repeat procedure on opposite side
2. After bleeding both sides, pump brake pedal several times and verify firm pedal feel before driving
3. Check master cylinder fluid level and top off to MAX line with DOT 3 brake fluid
4. Test parking brake operation and adjust cable if necessary

Verification

• Start engine and pump brake pedal several times - pedal should be firm and not sink to the floor
• Check for brake fluid leaks at the wheel cylinder, brake line connection, and bleeder screw
• Test drive in a safe area at low speed to verify proper brake operation and even braking
• Verify no pulling to one side during braking
• Check master cylinder reservoir level after test drive and top off if needed
• Re-torque wheel lug nuts after 50-100 miles of driving

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