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Hi everyone, I was hoping for some advice.
I recently had my 05 civic vp checked out because of steering wheel vibration, the wheels were balanced about a month ago. They told me the rotors in front and pads should be changed, not because they are worn out but due to uneven wear. But they also showed me that the rear wheel cylinder is leaking a bit, I've been checking the brake fluid level and it has not dropped.
Which should I fix first? I'm on a budget, I could change the fronts myself after looking at the DIY but I looked into the rear and would rather pay than risk messing that up. If the rear cylinder is leaking a small bit should it be changed right away?
thanks!

 
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How did they show you that the rear wheel cylinder was leaking? Did they bring your over and just show you fluid dripping from the cylinder? The rear wheel cylinder leaking is pretty strange in my opinion.

Wheel cylinders for drum brakes have been around for a LONG time. I never hear about anybody having leaks in them, especially in Honda's, but maybe I haven't been around long enough.

The front disc uneven wear issue is understandable. I replaced my discs a few years ago. Although I think my issue was from letting Honda change the front brakes for the first time and not machining the disc properly. Steering wheel would shake like crazy at high speed when I stepped on the brakes. I changed the discs myself and all was good.

If it were me, I would personally do the front first and monitor the brake fluid level to see if you do indeed have a "leak" from the rear wheel cylinder.

 
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Thanks a lot for the reply, they had the drum off the cylinder and peeled back some of the rubber inside the cylinder rim and showed me that it was slowly losing fluid, some fluid came out, but I honestly don't know if that's normal or not, they also said that the shoes are in need of replacing. I'm tempted to go your route, since I don't see much fluid loss and the wheel vibration is irritating.

 
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You most likely wouldn't notice a drop in fluid from a small leak. When I worked as a service writer at Pep Boys I would see atleast 1 leaking brake cylinder from older cars a week. Don't remember any Honda's though. My 88 Accord had a leaking cylinder (at around 270k miles). I would agree with Matt and do the fronts first. That's were most of your braking is anyway. Then do the cylinder when you can. You should always do them in pairs too so save up to do both sides.

 
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It IS bad. There should be NO fluid behind that boot.

That boot is only to keep dust out not fluid in.
It should be done soon, and you might as well do the other side.

When was the last time the brake fluid was changed?

 
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thanks for all the replies! I have a mechanic set up for monday so I think I'll bite the bullet and have him change the rears, the idea of leaking fluid plus worn out shoes doesn't sound good. Luckily the front will be a cheap fix since I can do them myself.

I only bought the car a few months ago, but the fluid looks clean. I'm not sure when it was last changed.

 
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If you're tight on money and need priorities, I recommend the front first since about 70% or more of your braking is there and you can do the job yourself. Monitor the fluid level and change the rear wheel cylinder and shoes when you get a chance. The rear cylinder and brake shoe issue is not as bad some people are making it out to be unless the brake shoes are worn to the point that they're going to damage the drum.

If you don't know when the fluid was last changed, wait until you do the rear cylinders and shoes replaced and then have the brake fluid flushed and filled.

 
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brake fluid leak is more important, because if you suddenly lose lots of fluid, you will have no brakes at all.

 
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I agree with gearbox, however brakes are something that should not be played with and all 4 should work correctly before you take the car out on the road.

When it comes to brakes there are no priorities, they are all important.

 
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Thanks guys
I had the rears done, turned out no leaking cylinder at all, that garage must have been scamming me, just changed the shoes. Now getting the front rotors/pads changed this weekend. Luckily I can bike to work most of the time haha.
many thanks for the helpful replies!