Honda Civic Drums and Hardware
The Honda Civic is designed to provide safe and comfortable transportation. Knowing how the drum braking system operates in this vehicle gives you the ability to make the most informed decision when selecting replacement parts and hardware for your automobile.
Where are the drum brakes located on the Honda Civic?The Honda Civic has a drum braking system on the back of the vehicle. Newer models of this vehicle created by Honda have disc brakes on both the front and back of the vehicle, eliminating the drum brakes altogether. It is important to ensure that you are working on a drum braking system before selecting replacement parts.
How does the Honda Civic drum braking system work?The rear drum braking system of the Honda Civic begins working when the driver presses the brake pedal inside of the vehicle. This causes the master cylinder to force pressurized fluid to either an ABS module or proportion valve, sending the fluid through the brake lines. It then arrives at hydraulic wheel cylinders that force internal pistons to expand outward. The pistons press the brake shoes out against the inside of the drum, allowing the vehicle to slow down or come to a complete stop.
What is a brake proportioning valve on a Honda Civic?A brake proportioning valve is a component of a drum braking system. This part is responsible for restricting the amount of fluid pressure within the brake lines. This reduces the amount of hydraulic pressure that is needed to force the brake shoes against the drums of the braking system.
What is the difference between primary and secondary brake shoes?A primary brake shoe is the longer of the two parts within a drum braking system. This is the friction surface located toward the front of the vehicle. The secondary brake shoe is the last shoe that makes contact with the drum within this types of braking system.
What different types of Honda Civic brake shoes are available?There are three basic options for brake shoes available for a Honda Civic drum braking system.
- Semi-metallic: These are made with metal materials such as copper, brass, and steel.
- Organic: These are made with materials considered to be natural or containing no asbestos, such as glass, Kevlar, and rubber. These shoes are bonded together with resin.
- Ceramic: Made with hardened ceramic materials blended with copper fibers, these shoes are strong and durable.