Brake Caliper Bracket

This procedure covers removal and installation of the brake caliper bracket on a 2018-2024 Honda Accord 1.5L Turbo, including caliper removal, bracket replacement, and brake system verification.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Brake caliper bracket (front or rear as needed) × 1 — Use OEM Honda specification
• Brake pads (if worn or damaged) × 1 — Use OEM Honda specification

Fluids

• DOT 3 Brake Fluid — 0.25 qt

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level ground and engage parking brake
2. Loosen wheel lug nuts 1/4 turn while vehicle is on ground
3. Raise vehicle with floor jack at appropriate jacking point and support with jack stands
4. Remove wheel completely and set aside
5. Verify you have the correct replacement caliper bracket for front or rear application
6. Open brake fluid reservoir cap slightly to allow piston retraction (fluid level will rise)
7. Place drip pan under work area to catch any brake fluid spillage

Procedure

1. 1

   Compress brake caliper piston
   Before removing the caliper, use a C-clamp or brake piston compressor to gently push the caliper piston back into its bore. Position the clamp on the back of the caliper body and against the outboard brake pad. Compress slowly and watch the brake fluid reservoir to ensure it does not overflow. This step makes caliper removal easier and prevents brake fluid spillage.
2. 2

   Remove caliper slide pin bolts
   Locate the two caliper slide pin bolts on the rear side of the caliper (14mm). Remove both bolts completely while supporting the caliper with your other hand. These bolts thread into the caliper bracket and allow the caliper to pivot for pad replacement.
   Torque spec

   Caliper Slide Pin Bolts35 Nm (26 lb-ft)
3. 3

   Support and remove caliper
   Carefully lift the caliper up and off the brake rotor and bracket. DO NOT disconnect the brake hose unless absolutely necessary for bracket replacement. Hang the caliper from the suspension using a caliper hanger or heavy wire. Ensure there is no tension or strain on the brake hose. Inspect the brake hose for cracks, bulging, or damage while accessible.
   ⚠️Never allow caliper to hang by brake hose alone. Secure it properly to prevent internal hose damage.
4. 4

   Remove brake pads and hardware
   Remove the brake pads from the caliper bracket. Note the position of any anti-rattle clips, shims, or pad wear indicators for reinstallation. Remove any pad retaining clips or springs from the caliper bracket. Keep hardware organized for reuse or replacement.
5. 5

   Remove caliper bracket bolts
   Locate the two caliper bracket mounting bolts (17mm) that attach the bracket to the steering knuckle. These are very tight and may require significant force. Use a breaker bar if necessary. Remove both bolts completely and remove the caliper bracket from the knuckle. Inspect the mounting surfaces on the knuckle for rust, damage, or wear.
   ⚠Bracket bolts are torqued to 120 Nm and may be difficult to remove. Ensure proper socket engagement to avoid rounding bolt heads.
   Torque spec

   Caliper Bracket Bolts - Front120 Nm (88 lb-ft)
6. 6

   Inspect and clean mounting surfaces
   Thoroughly clean the caliper bracket mounting surface on the steering knuckle using a wire brush and brake cleaner. Remove all rust, corrosion, and old threadlocker from bolt holes. Inspect the knuckle threads for damage. Clean the slide pin bores in the new or reused bracket. If reusing the old bracket, inspect it carefully for cracks, excessive wear on pad contact surfaces, or damaged slide pin bores.
7. 7

   Install new caliper bracket
   Position the new (or cleaned) caliper bracket onto the steering knuckle, aligning the mounting bolt holes. Apply medium-strength threadlocker to the threads of both caliper bracket bolts as recommended. Start both bolts by hand to ensure proper thread engagement. Torque the caliper bracket bolts to specification in an alternating pattern.
   ⚠Threadlocker is recommended for bracket bolts. Allow threadlocker to cure per manufacturer instructions before operating vehicle if specified.
   Torque spec

   Caliper Bracket Bolts - Front120 Nm (88 lb-ft)
8. 8

   Prepare slide pins and install hardware
   Remove the slide pins from the caliper (if not already removed). Clean the slide pins thoroughly with brake cleaner and inspect for corrosion, pitting, or wear. Apply a thin coat of silicone brake grease to the slide pin shafts. Do NOT use petroleum-based grease. Reinstall slide pins into the caliper bracket boots. Install brake pad hardware, anti-rattle clips, and shims onto the caliper bracket in their original positions.
9. 9

   Install brake pads
   Install the inner and outer brake pads into the caliper bracket. Ensure pads are properly seated in the hardware clips and that any wear indicators are positioned correctly (typically on the inner pad, indicator tab should point toward the rear of vehicle for front brakes). Verify pads move freely in the bracket without binding.
10. 10

    Reinstall brake caliper
    Remove the caliper from its support and carefully position it over the brake pads and bracket. Align the caliper slide pin bolt holes with the slide pins in the bracket. Start both slide pin bolts by hand to ensure proper thread engagement. Apply a small amount of silicone brake grease to the slide pin bolt threads and under the bolt heads as specified. Torque both slide pin bolts to specification.
    Torque spec

    Caliper Slide Pin Bolts35 Nm (26 lb-ft)
11. 11

    Reinstall wheel and lower vehicle
    Reinstall the wheel onto the hub, ensuring it seats properly. Start all lug nuts by hand. Tighten lug nuts in a star pattern to snug (but do not torque yet). Lower the vehicle until the tire just contacts the ground but still allows wheel rotation. Torque lug nuts to specification in a star pattern. Fully lower vehicle and remove jack stands.
    Torque spec

    Wheel Lug Nuts140 Nm (103 lb-ft)
12. 12

    Restore brake pedal and check fluid level
    With vehicle still in park or gear and parking brake engaged, pump the brake pedal slowly 10-15 times until it becomes firm. The first few pedal presses will go to the floor as the caliper piston extends to contact the pads. Check the brake fluid reservoir and top off with DOT 3 brake fluid if needed. Do not overfill. Reinstall reservoir cap securely.
    ⚠️DO NOT attempt to move vehicle until brake pedal feels firm and normal. Failure to restore pedal will result in no braking ability.

Reassembly

1. Ensure all caliper bracket bolts and slide pin bolts are torqued to specification
2. Verify brake caliper is properly secured and brake hose has no kinks or tension
3. Confirm brake fluid level is between MIN and MAX marks on reservoir
4. Double-check wheel lug nuts are torqued in star pattern to 140 Nm

Verification

• Pump brake pedal repeatedly until firm resistance is felt at normal pedal height
• With engine running, verify brake pedal does not slowly sink when held under firm pressure for 30 seconds
• Perform a low-speed brake test in a safe area to verify proper brake function before returning to normal driving
• Listen for any unusual noises (grinding, squealing, rubbing) during initial brake applications
• Visually inspect for brake fluid leaks around caliper and bracket after test drive
• Re-torque wheel lug nuts after driving 50-100 miles to verify they remain properly tightened
• CRITICAL: If brake pedal feels soft, spongy, or travels too far, DO NOT drive vehicle. Air may be in system requiring professional bleeding or there may be other issues requiring immediate attention

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