How to Tighten E-Brake on 02 civ with 02 si rear brake conversion
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How to Tighten E-Brake on 02 civ with 02 si rear brake conversion
Hey guys, I converted those terrible drums on my 02 civ lx 4dr to the 4 lug rear discs from a 02 si. I have changed all 4 pads and all 4 rotors all the time without a hitch but now a days the E Brake is SO LOOSE you can move the ****in car when its fully engaged without even pressing the gas. Usually I do all this stuff myself, but I couldnt figure it out, unlike shoes/drums, there is no little screw to turn there to tighten that ebrake up. I tried searching and searching on here, but I couldnt find anything that would help out a guy with an 02 lx that originally had drums and decided to swap in 02 si discs. ANY help would be greatly appreciated. Thanks bros. Peace.
Re: How to Tighten E-Brake on 02 civ with 02 si rear brake conversion
I think the adjustment is in the back of the center console.. Two bolts have a look there I'm not totally sure but hopefully I can lead you in the right direction.
Re: How to Tighten E-Brake on 02 civ with 02 si rear brake conversion
That is where the adjuster is. Take out your center console and you'll see where the cables come in through the floor pan. Tighten the center nut attaching them to the handle base (in the middle of the picture) until it's snug when engaged.

(photo from the Drums--->Discs SPELLED OUT thread)
(photo from the Drums--->Discs SPELLED OUT thread)
Re: How to Tighten E-Brake on 02 civ with 02 si rear brake conversion
1. First thing you want to do is take the plastic cover off the e-brake handle.
2. Next loosen the nut that tightens the cable almost all the way or to the point where there is slack in the cable (keep the handle down).
3. Start the car and step on the brake pedal a few times firmly. This will allow the rear caliper pin to adjust so you can retighten your cable (make sure the handle is still down) Note: the cable has to be loose in order for the pin to reset.
4. After you do that raise the rear up in the air and throw it on jack stands. You will need to be able to spin the wheels to know when to stop tightening your cable.
5. Once you have your car up in the air go back in the car. Lift on the handle ONE click. Then slowly start tightening the nut to the cable back up. It wont take much for it to tighten. After about 10 to 15 turns go out and see if the wheels are still spinning freely. If they are keep tightening the nut. You want to do this till there is resistance from the brake and you can hear it touching the rotor while you spin the wheel. I did about 3 clicks more once i heard some noise and it got a little harder to spin the tire.
After that you are all done. It should grab really nice after 7 to 8 clicks (which honda recommends for our cars).
2. Next loosen the nut that tightens the cable almost all the way or to the point where there is slack in the cable (keep the handle down).
3. Start the car and step on the brake pedal a few times firmly. This will allow the rear caliper pin to adjust so you can retighten your cable (make sure the handle is still down) Note: the cable has to be loose in order for the pin to reset.
4. After you do that raise the rear up in the air and throw it on jack stands. You will need to be able to spin the wheels to know when to stop tightening your cable.
5. Once you have your car up in the air go back in the car. Lift on the handle ONE click. Then slowly start tightening the nut to the cable back up. It wont take much for it to tighten. After about 10 to 15 turns go out and see if the wheels are still spinning freely. If they are keep tightening the nut. You want to do this till there is resistance from the brake and you can hear it touching the rotor while you spin the wheel. I did about 3 clicks more once i heard some noise and it got a little harder to spin the tire.
After that you are all done. It should grab really nice after 7 to 8 clicks (which honda recommends for our cars).
Re: How to Tighten E-Brake on 02 civ with 02 si rear brake conversion
I had exactly the same problem after I did my conversion. Some simple things to check that may be causing the problem:
1) cable still attached? Mine popped off inexplicably the first time I tried to apply the hand brake
2) bracketry all hooked up? In particular there's a bracket that holds the cable to the back of the caliper, this is essential and the handbrake will be WEAK without it (I thought I could get away without it, but was getting no where)
3) needs tightening? self explanatory, the hardest part of tightening is removal of the center console but past that, its pretty easy.
Good luck!
1) cable still attached? Mine popped off inexplicably the first time I tried to apply the hand brake
2) bracketry all hooked up? In particular there's a bracket that holds the cable to the back of the caliper, this is essential and the handbrake will be WEAK without it (I thought I could get away without it, but was getting no where)
3) needs tightening? self explanatory, the hardest part of tightening is removal of the center console but past that, its pretty easy.
Good luck!
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