How to Remove Honda Brake Drums

The rear drum brakes on your Honda can be very stubborn to remove. On many models, the drums are pressed onto the rear wheel hub and cannot be removed by hand. The brake drums need to be removed before you can perform any work on the rear brakes, or if you need to replace the drums due to damage or excessive wear. This only applies to the rear brakes, because the front brakes use a caliper and disc system on the Honda vehicles. Replacement drums from your Honda are available from the dealer or through most auto parts stores if yours need replacement.

Things You'll Need

  • Lug wrench
  • Socket set
  • Breaker bar
  • Jack
  • Jack stands
  • 12-millimeter bolts
  • Loosen the lug nuts on the rear wheels of your Honda using a lug wrench or a socket and breaker bar. Do not remove the lug nuts from the wheel studs yet, or the car will become unstable.

  • Raise the rear of the car with a jack and support it with a set of jack stands. Remove the lug nuts then remove the wheels from the car.

  • Locate the two threaded holes on the face of the brake drum. On almost all Honda models, these holes will accept a 12-millimeter bolt. Thread the bolts into the two holes and turn them clockwise with a socket and ratchet.

  • Work back and forth between the bolts, tightening them in even amounts. The bolts will slowly push the brake drum out and off the hub. Do not let the drum fall to the ground when it comes off the hub. Remove the bolts from the brake drum before you reinstall it on the hub.