I have a 2000 Civic Si

I noticed my rear brake pads we getting low and so I decided to change them myself. I took off the wheels, disconnected the caliper and took out the pads. Here's where I started questioning myself. My friends said you have to use a C clamp to compress the piston and it wouldn't budge. Finally I called one of my friends who used to have and Integra and a CRX. He said you use a big screwdriver to twist the piston in like a screw. So I did that. After that I put the pads in and reassembled. I got the car out on the road and started testing the brakes. It seems that they are working at all. When I pull the E-brake it is not very firm, the wheels won't lock up like they used to. It rained the other day and I was driving on pavement and I hit the brakes pretty hard and the fronts locks up and I could tell the rear wasn't even engaged. What should I do about this? I'm thinking there is something I missed that would reset them.

 

your second friend is right. do you have a Haynes (or other) repair manual? It has the proper procedure for compressing the pistons. I have rear drums so I've never done it myself

 

Don't bother with a Chiltons or Haynes manual. They often aren't detailed enough. Pick up a Factory Service Manual online or from your local honda dealer. It's the same manual the dealer techs use when working on cars. It'll pay for itself the first couple of times you use it.