kkspeed

After I installed new brake shoes on the rear of my 99 VP sedan, the rear shoes won't stay in adjustment, so consequently, the brake pedal gets lower as I put miles on the Civic.

First, I installed new brakes shoes and adjusted them so the brake pedal is high and hard.

Second, I adjusted the Emergency Brake to lock after 6 clicks.

The problem is the brake pedal slowly gets lower as I put miles on the car and doesn't keep the same feel.

Eventually, I check the rear brake adjustment and find they are out of proper adjustment by a few clicks on the star wheel. I adjust them and the pedal returns to the regular feel.

Apparently, the automatic adjusters are not working correctly. I rechecked my hardware installation and everything seems correct. I greased the backing plates and the star adjusters so they are not sticking.

Driving the car in reverse and pumping the pedal or pumping the emergency brake handle doesn't correct the problem.

Any hints?

marek91

i have the same problem ever since i owned my civic rear drivers brake comes out of adjustment and eventually starts making a clicking sound

Prodresurgence

Make sure the self adjuster is riding on the star part of the adjuster rod, it needs to be able to turn the screw as you set the brakes in. I stole a pic from another forum, that part of the adjuster must sit on the star screw.

marek91

my self adjuster wont reach the screw only way is if i adjust the screw then it will touch but then eventually it will come loose again

Prodresurgence

then you have the entire adjuster screw backwards.

gearbox

iTrader: (95)

mine has same problem, altho im still on original parts. have to really press the pedal alot before the car starts to stop. i also have a useless ebrake. ive had shops take a look and tighten stuff back there, but it didnt help. if i pull the ebrake up as far as possible, it barely keeps the car from creeping forward in drive. it would prolly take a mile to stop the car going 25mph if the fronts ever failed. i always thought it should lock the brakes if you pull the handle up.

Prodresurgence

GB, you probably need new drums, hardware, and lube up the self adjuster. That and try adjusting the ebrake under the console and under the wheel well.

kkspeed

The adjust is riding on the star wheel with tension. I can hear the adjust click as I turn the star wheel to adjust the shoes.

The odd part is the adjusters worked properly on the original set of brake shoes. I checked all the springs and adjusters; everything seems correct and tight.

This problem is going to wear out the front brakes and rotors prematurely.

gearbox

iTrader: (95)

thanks, i did that but it wouldnt help. i think they are just worn and there is too much gap between shoe and drum. i have some wagner shoes and hardware maybe its time to change. the old ones still have some life left thats why im waiting.

pistol820

You have to adjust the slack adjuster, it is done with a screw driver after the drum is on. Go to the inside of the hub there should be a hole that lets you adjust the brakee until it is tight.

gearbox

iTrader: (95)

any pics, i wasnt able to see anything to adjust once the hub is put together.

pistol820

It should be on the backside with a plug that can be removed so you can adjust the slack adjuster.

lazlong

I was curious too. So, I went out to look and this is the only access on the back of the hub. It's towards the front (of the vehicle). It has a little rubber plug in the hole. Good luck seeing in there tho.

gearbox

iTrader: (95)

ahh never thought to look in the back lol

pistol820

Lazlong thanks for the pic, my camera is not working.

gearbox

iTrader: (95)

ive been meaning to do this but have so much other stuff going on with the car now. do i adjust with the car on the ground, or in the air. and what kind of tool does it take?

lazlong

In the air, parking brake off. Flathead screwdriver. Your twisting #17/24: http://www.hondaautomotiveparts.com/...+BRAKE+%281%29

gearbox

iTrader: (95)

ah okay thanks for the help guys! is there a good way to put the rear on jackstands (both sides)? i always have problems with this because if i use a jack on the rear middle hook point, i can never get it up high enough to put stands under each side. and am i turning the adjustment clockwise or counterclockwise?

lazlong

I can barely get my jack under the one side when the other is in the air, and I'm not lowered. I guess you could get some of these: http://www.oreillyauto.com/site/c/de...p?keyword=ramp Don't know which way to turn, sorry.

John Lalka

I never solved the lack of self adjusting on late 80`s Accords. Many hardware and brake cylinder replacements and pad changes. Normal wear on shoes. But the e brake only worked when I occasionally manually adjusted the star wheel.