Parts for your 2017 Honda Civic-Brake shoes

2017 Honda Civic brake shoes: what they are and when they’re used

Based on Honda technical literature (2016–2020 Civic Service Manual – Brakes, 2017 Civic Owner’s Manual, and Honda Electronic Parts Catalogue), the 2017 Honda Civic may use rear brake shoes if it’s a variant fitted with rear drum brakes. In the Australia and New Zealand market, base models such as VTi/VTi-S commonly have rear drums (therefore brake shoes), while higher trims like RS, VTi-L and VTi-LX typically have rear disc brakes and do not use brake shoes. So brake shoes are relevant for 2017 Civics with rear drum brakes, disc-brake models use pads instead.

On drum-brake 2017 Civics, the rear brake shoes sit inside the drum and are pushed outward by the wheel cylinder to generate friction and slow the car. They also work with the handbrake mechanism, so good shoe condition helps with secure parking and consistent lever travel. Because the drums are enclosed, shoes generally wear more slowly than front pads, but they still need periodic checks and proper adjustment.

As part of routine servicing, it’s smart to have the rear drums removed and the shoes inspected every 20,000–30,000 km, or sooner if there’s noise or reduced brake performance. A technician will measure lining thickness and look for glazing, cracking or contamination from brake fluid or grease. Honda workshop specs list a typical shoe lining service limit of about 1.5 mm—if a shoe is at or below this, or if it’s contaminated or heat-spotted, replacement is due.

• Tell-tale signs they’re due: scraping or grinding from the rear, longer stopping distances, handbrake needing more clicks, or shudder through the pedal at low speed.
• Best practice on replacement: renew shoes in axle pairs, clean and inspect the drums, and fit a hardware/spring kit so the return springs and adjusters are fresh. If a wheel cylinder is weeping, replace it.
• Adjustment and bedding-in matter: after fitting, the self-adjusters should be set so the shoes are just off the drum, then the brakes bedded in with a series of gentle stops to stabilise friction.

If their 2017 Civic has rear discs, they won’t have brake shoes to service—the rear uses pads, and the parking brake is typically integrated at the caliper. When in doubt, a quick look through the rear wheel (solid drum vs visible disc and caliper) or checking the owner’s manual will confirm which setup they’ve got.

Popular questions

How can they tell if their 2017 Civic has brake shoes or pads at the rear?
If the rear has a smooth, enclosed drum behind the wheel, it uses brake shoes. If they can see a shiny rotor and a caliper, it’s a disc setup with pads. In AU/NZ, VTi and VTi-S are commonly drum/shoe, RS, VTi-L and VTi-LX are commonly disc/pad. The owner’s manual or a VIN-based parts check will confirm.

How long do rear brake shoes last on a 2017 Civic?
Usage is the big factor, but many drivers see well over 80,000 km before needing shoes. They should be inspected at regular services, and replaced by the time the lining approaches about 1.5 mm, or earlier if glazed, cracked, or contaminated, or if the handbrake travel grows excessive.

What else should be replaced when doing rear shoes?
It’s wise to fit a new spring/hardware kit with the shoes, and to clean and measure the drums. Replace or machine drums only within specification. If a wheel cylinder shows any sign of leakage, replace it at the same time, then adjust and bed the brakes in properly.