How to Inspect and Replace the Rear Drums in a Honda Accord
- 1). Chock the front wheels then loosen the rear wheel's lug nuts with a tire iron. Raise the car with a jack then position jack stands under the frame rail on both sides of the car. Remove the rear wheels then release the parking brake.
- 2). Remove the rear brake drums by pulling on them firmly. If the drum does not come straight off, strike around the edges with a rubber mallet to loosen the seal.
- 3). Inspect the drum surface for oil or grease contamination, scoring and deep ridges. Also check the drum for roundness and unevenness. Is there is any damage noted, then the drum needs to be resurfaced by a machine shop.
- 4). Measure the inside diameter of the drum with a drum micrometer or vernier caliper. The minimum specification is engraved on the drum or is in your owner's manual. For the 2005 Honda Accord with a 2.4-liter engine, the inside diameter should not exceed 8.7 inches or 221 millimeters. If it does, then it needs to be replaced.
- 5). Inspect the brake shoes for wear while the drum is off as well as all the brake springs for damage. Check for brake fluid on any components.
- 6). Install the drum in the reverse of removal. Remount the rear tires. Lower the car off the jack stands with the jack, tighten the wheel studs with the tire iron and remove the wheel chocks.