Replace drum brake hardware kit including springs, adjusters, and hold-down clips on the rear brakes to restore proper brake function and prevent squeaking or uneven wear.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Rear drum brake hardware kit × 2 — Use OEM Honda specification or quality aftermarket
• Brake cleaner × 1 — Non-chlorinated brake parts cleaner

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level surface, engage parking brake, and place wheel chocks at front wheels
2. Loosen rear wheel lug nuts 1/4 turn while vehicle is on ground
3. Raise rear of vehicle and support securely on jack stands rated for vehicle weight
4. Remove rear wheels completely
5. Release parking brake mechanism
6. Take photos of brake assembly before disassembly for reference during reassembly

Procedure

1. 1

   Remove brake drum
   Remove the two Phillips screws securing the drum if present (may be rusted). Pull drum straight off hub. If drum is stuck, thread two 8mm x 1.25 bolts into the threaded holes on drum face and tighten evenly to push drum off. Tap gently with rubber mallet if needed. Do not strike drum face directly.
   ⚠If drum will not come off, verify parking brake is fully released and that drum is not worn beyond maximum diameter specification (210mm).
2. 2

   Clean and inspect drum and backing plate
   Spray brake cleaner liberally on all components, wiping away dust with shop towels. Never blow with compressed air. Inspect drum interior surface for grooves, cracks, or excessive wear. Measure drum diameter if micrometer available (max 210mm). Inspect backing plate for cracks or damage. Inspect wheel cylinder for leaks at dust boots.
   ⚠️Wear dust mask and safety glasses. Work in well-ventilated area.
3. 3

   Remove upper return spring
   Using brake spring removal tool, carefully unhook the upper return spring connecting the tops of both brake shoes. Note the orientation and positioning. This is the large, strong spring across the top. Control the spring as it releases to prevent injury.
   ⚠Spring is under high tension. Use proper tool and keep hands clear of release path.
4. 4

   Remove hold-down springs and pins
   Locate the two hold-down spring assemblies (one on each shoe). Using brake spring tool or hold-down spring tool, press spring cup inward while rotating 90 degrees to release from pin behind backing plate. Remove both spring cups, springs, and pins. Keep components organized.
5. 5

   Remove adjuster spring and mechanism
   Disconnect the adjuster spring from both shoes. Remove the adjuster screw assembly by spreading shoes slightly at bottom. Note adjuster orientation (star wheel should face rear of vehicle). Separate the lower return spring from shoes if not already removed.
6. 6

   Remove brake shoes and remaining hardware
   Disconnect parking brake cable from lever on rear shoe by unhooking spring and removing cable from lever slot. Remove both brake shoes from backing plate. Remove all old springs, clips, and hardware that will be replaced by new hardware kit. Keep parking brake lever if reusing (typically not included in hardware kit).
7. 7

   Clean adjuster mechanism
   Completely disassemble adjuster screw mechanism. Clean all parts with brake cleaner and wire brush. Inspect threads for damage. Reassemble with light coating of high-temperature brake grease on threads and socket. Test that adjuster screw turns smoothly and star wheel rotates freely.
   ℹ️Do not use excessive grease - it can contaminate brake linings. Only light coating on adjuster threads.
8. 8

   Prepare backing plate and new hardware
   Clean backing plate raised contact pads with wire brush. Apply thin coat of high-temperature brake grease to the six shoe contact points on backing plate where shoes slide. Lay out all new hardware from kit and compare with old hardware and reference photo to verify completeness.
9. 9

   Install brake shoes with new hardware
   Transfer parking brake lever to new rear shoe if shoes are being replaced (lever typically reused with hardware kit). Connect parking brake cable to lever. Position both shoes on backing plate, ensuring they engage wheel cylinder pistons at top and rest on anchor pin. Install new hold-down pins from rear of backing plate, then springs and cups, rotating cups 90 degrees to lock.
   ⚠Ensure shoes properly engage slots in wheel cylinder pistons. Pistons should not be pushed in or extended.
10. 10

    Install adjuster and springs from new kit
    Install cleaned adjuster mechanism between lower portions of shoes with star wheel facing rear. Install new lower return spring between shoes at bottom. Install new adjuster spring per hardware kit instructions. Install new upper return spring across top of shoes using brake spring tool. Verify all springs match reference photo from opposite side.
11. 11

    Verify assembly and pre-adjust shoes
    Double-check that all springs are properly seated and hardware is correctly installed per reference side. Manually rotate adjuster star wheel to expand shoes until they nearly contact drum diameter. Shoes should be centered on backing plate and move freely when pressed.
12. 12

    Install drum and wheel
    Slide drum over shoes and onto hub. Install drum retaining screws if used. Shoes should drag slightly - this is normal and will be adjusted. Install wheel onto hub and thread lug nuts by hand to secure. Do not torque yet.
13. 13

    Repeat for opposite side
    Perform entire procedure on opposite rear wheel, using the first completed side as reference for spring positions and hardware orientation. Ensure both sides are assembled identically.
14. 14

    Lower vehicle and torque wheels
    Lower vehicle until wheels just contact ground but suspension is not loaded. Torque lug nuts to specification in star pattern. Fully lower vehicle and remove jack stands.
    Torque spec

    Wheel Lug Nuts140 Nm (103 lb-ft)
15. 15

    Adjust brakes and test
    Pump brake pedal several times to seat shoes against drums. Back vehicle up and apply brakes firmly 3-5 times to activate automatic adjusters. Repeat forward and backward brake applications. Test parking brake engagement - should hold vehicle on slight incline within normal lever travel.
    ⚠️Before driving in traffic, test brakes at low speed in safe area. Brake pedal should feel firm and vehicle should stop straight without pulling.

Reassembly

1. Ensure all brake hardware is installed symmetrically on both rear wheels
2. Verify parking brake cable is properly connected and moves freely
3. Confirm wheel cylinders show no signs of leakage after installation
4. Test brake pedal feel before driving - should be firm with normal travel

Verification

• Brake pedal should feel firm and consistent with normal pedal height
• Vehicle should stop straight without pulling to either side
• No grinding, squeaking, or abnormal noises from rear brakes during normal stops
• Parking brake should hold vehicle on incline within 5-7 clicks of lever travel
• After 50-100 miles, recheck brake pedal feel and listen for any abnormal noises
• If brake pedal feels soft, spongy, or travels too far, brake bleeding may be required - seek professional service

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