How To Change Rear Brakes Rotors On A 2010 Honda Civic? To change rear brake rotors on a 2010 Honda Civic, you’ll need tools like a jack, jack stands, lug wrench, and brake tools. Safely lift the vehicle, remove the wheels, caliper, and old rotors. Clean the hub surface, install new rotors, compress the caliper pistons, and reinstall the caliper and wheels. Torque the lug nuts properly, lower the vehicle, and test drive to ensure proper braking.
What Tools and Materials Are Needed to Change Rear Brake Rotors on a 2010 Honda Civic?
Before beginning the process, it’s essential to gather the necessary tools and materials. Here’s a list of what you’ll need:
- New rear brake rotors (specific to your 2010 Honda Civic model)
- Brake caliper piston compression tool
- Lug wrench or socket set (to remove lug nuts)
- Jack and jack stands (or a vehicle lift, if available)
- Wheel chocks
- Breaker bar (for stubborn lug nuts)
- Rags or shop towels
- Brake caliper hanger or bungee cord
- Brake cleaner
- Anti-seize lubricant (for caliper slide pins)
- Torque wrench
How to Prepare Your Vehicle for Changing Rear Brake Rotors?
- Park your 2010 Honda Civic on a level surface and engage the parking brake.
- Locate the rear brake rotors you’ll be replacing.
- Ensure you have all the necessary tools and materials within reach.
- Loosen the lug nuts on the rear wheels, but do not remove them yet.
How to Safely Lift and Secure Your 2010 Honda Civic?
- Place wheel chocks on the front wheels to prevent the vehicle from rolling.
- Position the jack under the designated lift points, as specified in your owner’s manual.
- Raise the rear end of the vehicle until the rear wheels are off the ground.
- Place jack stands under the designated support points for added safety.
What Steps Are Involved in Removing the Rear Wheels?
- With the vehicle securely supported on jack stands, fully remove the lug nuts and set them aside.
- Carefully remove the rear wheels and place them on a clean, flat surface.
How to Remove the Rear Brake Caliper?
- Locate the caliper bolts that secure the caliper to the caliper bracket.
- Using the appropriate socket or wrench, loosen and remove the caliper bolts.
- Carefully remove the caliper from the rotor and secure it using a caliper hanger or bungee cord to prevent strain on the brake line.
- Remove the brake pads from the caliper bracket.
How to Remove the Old Brake Rotors?
- Inspect the rotor for any retaining screws or bolts that may be holding it in place.
- If present, remove these screws or bolts using the appropriate tools.
- Carefully remove the old brake rotor from the hub assembly.
- Clean the hub surface and surrounding areas using brake cleaner and a rag to remove any debris or rust.
What Are the Steps to Install New Rear Brake Rotors?
- Inspect the new brake rotors for any defects or damage.
- Apply a thin layer of anti-seize lubricant to the hub surface where the rotor will make contact.
- Carefully slide the new brake rotor onto the hub assembly, ensuring it is properly seated and aligned.
- If applicable, reinstall any retaining screws or bolts to secure the rotor in place.
How to Reinstall the Brake Caliper?
- Clean the caliper slide pins and apply a thin layer of anti-seize lubricant.
- Reinstall the brake pads into the caliper bracket, ensuring they are properly positioned.
- Using a caliper piston compression tool, compress the caliper pistons to make room for the new brake pads.
- Carefully slide the caliper over the new rotor and align it with the caliper bracket.
- Reinstall the caliper bolts and tighten them to the specified torque value.
What Is the Proper Way to Reattach the Rear Wheels?
- Carefully lift each rear wheel and place it onto the lug studs.
- Hand-tighten the lug nuts in a crisscross pattern.
- Lower the vehicle to the ground and remove the jack stands and wheel chocks.
- Using a torque wrench, tighten the lug nuts to the specified torque value in a crisscross pattern.
How to Lower the Vehicle and Perform a Safety Check?
- Carefully lower the vehicle to the ground, ensuring it is stable and level.
- Check the brake fluid level and top it up if necessary.
- Inspect the work area for any tools or debris left behind.
- Engage the parking brake and start the engine to check for any warning lights or unusual noises.
What Are Common Mistakes to Avoid When Changing Brake Rotors?
- Failing to properly secure the vehicle on jack stands, leading to potential safety hazards.
- Neglecting to clean the hub surface and rotor contact areas, which can cause improper rotor seating and premature wear.
- Overtightening or undertightening the caliper bolts or lug nuts, which can lead to brake issues or wheel separation.
- Forgetting to compress the caliper pistons, resulting in difficulty reinstalling the caliper or damaging the new brake pads.
- Neglecting to lubricate the caliper slide pins, which can cause caliper binding and premature wear.
How to Test Drive Your 2010 Honda Civic After Changing the Rear Brake Rotors?
After completing the rear brake rotor replacement, it’s essential to test drive your 2010 Honda Civic to ensure proper braking performance and identify any potential issues. Here’s how to proceed:
- Find a safe, low-traffic area to conduct your test drive.
- Start by driving at low speeds and gently applying the brakes to check for any unusual noises or vibrations.
- Gradually increase your speed and perform several hard braking maneuvers from different speeds to ensure the brakes are functioning correctly.
- Pay attention to any pulling or vibrations during braking, which may indicate an issue with the brake system or wheel alignment.
- If everything feels and sounds normal, you can resume regular driving.
You can successfully change the rear brake rotors on your 2010 Honda Civic, ensuring optimal braking performance and a safer driving experience. Remember to always prioritize safety and refer to your vehicle’s owner’s manual or consult a professional mechanic if you encounter any difficulties or have concerns during the process.