It's time for new shoes in the rear, and my shop quoted me $180 for parts/labor to change the shoes out. I'd like to do this myself instead. I have access to lots of tools, and was wondering if this is something I should attempt on my own? Do I need drums AND shoes, or just the shoes? Any guides around for this?

Thanks

 

I've done lots of Toyotas but haven't had my civic long enough for it to need brakes. My experience with the Toyotas was very good. Very easy to do. You won't need drums unless they are grooved on the inside surface.
Spend the money on a Chilton/Haynes repair manual. Well worth it.

 

Check these links.

http://www.advanceautoparts.com/engl...0021101bs.html
http://www.allpar.com/fix/brake-drums.html
http://www.tpub.com/basae/182.htm

 

Its pretty easy to do and you could do it yourself. A tip i have for you is when you have it all together, push the arm on the brake adjuster up and push the shoes together at the same time. This will allow you to push the shoes as close as they can get and get the drum on there. Also, do one side at a time so you know where all the springs go. When your hooking up the E-brake, take a pair of vise grips and hold the metal piece at the end. Then take a pair of pliers and move the spring back, this will make it easy to slip the e-brake cable onto the e-brake lever on the shoes.