Brake Caliper - Front

This procedure covers the removal and replacement of a front brake caliper on a 2018-2024 Honda Accord with 1.5L turbo engine, including brake fluid bleeding.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Front brake caliper × 1 — Use OEM Honda part or quality aftermarket
• Copper crush washers for banjo bolt × 2 — Use OEM specification - 2 per banjo connection
• Brake fluid DOT 3 × 1 — Honda DOT 3 brake fluid recommended

Fluids

• DOT 3 Brake Fluid — 0.25 qt

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level surface and engage parking brake
2. Loosen front wheel lug nuts 1/4 turn while vehicle is on ground
3. Raise front of vehicle with floor jack and secure with jack stands under manufacturer-specified lift points
4. Remove front wheel completely
5. Have brake fluid catch container and fresh DOT 3 brake fluid ready
6. Verify replacement caliper matches old unit (driver vs passenger side, mounting configuration)

Procedure

1. 1

   Remove brake hose banjo bolt
   Locate the brake hose banjo bolt connecting the flexible brake hose to the caliper. Place a drain container beneath the connection. Using a 17mm wrench, loosen and remove the banjo bolt. Immediately plug the brake hose opening with a clean rag or rubber cap to minimize fluid loss and prevent contamination. Note the position of the copper crush washers (one on each side of the banjo fitting) - these will be discarded and replaced with new washers.
   ⚠Brake fluid will drain from this connection. Have a catch container ready and protect painted surfaces.
2. 2

   Remove caliper mounting bolts
   Using a 12mm hex socket or wrench, remove the two caliper mounting bolts (also called caliper slide pin bolts) that secure the caliper to the caliper bracket. These bolts thread into the caliper slide pins from the rear of the caliper. Support the caliper weight as you remove the second bolt to prevent it from falling.
3. 3

   Remove old caliper
   Lift the caliper off the caliper bracket and brake rotor. The caliper should now be completely free from the vehicle since the brake hose was already disconnected. Inspect the caliper bracket, slide pins, and brake pads for wear or damage while the caliper is removed. Note the orientation and position of brake pads if reusing them.
   ℹ️If brake pads are worn below 2mm thickness, replace them while the caliper is removed.
4. 4

   Prepare new caliper
   Remove the new caliper from packaging and verify it matches the old unit. Remove any protective caps or plugs from the brake hose port. If the new caliper includes a bleeder screw cap, leave it installed until bleeding. Check that the caliper piston is fully retracted - if not, carefully compress it using a C-clamp or brake piston tool before installation.
   ⚠Verify the replacement caliper is correct for the specific side (driver or passenger) before proceeding.
5. 5

   Install new caliper onto bracket
   Position the new caliper over the brake rotor and caliper bracket, ensuring the brake pads (if installed) are properly seated in the bracket. Align the caliper mounting holes with the slide pins on the bracket. Thread in both caliper mounting bolts by hand first to ensure proper thread engagement, then tighten both bolts to specification using a torque wrench.
6. 6

   Connect brake hose with new washers
   Install a NEW copper crush washer onto the banjo bolt, then position the brake hose banjo fitting onto the caliper inlet port. Install the second NEW copper crush washer on the opposite side of the banjo fitting. Thread the banjo bolt through the washers and banjo fitting into the caliper port by hand. Verify proper alignment, then torque the banjo bolt to specification using a torque wrench and 17mm socket.
   ⚠️New copper washers are absolutely required. Reusing old washers will cause brake fluid leaks and brake system failure.
7. 7

   Bleed brake caliper - initial fluid fill
   Locate the bleeder screw on the back of the new caliper (typically 8mm or 10mm). Attach a clear hose to the bleeder screw and route the other end into a brake fluid catch container. Have an assistant slowly pump the brake pedal 3-4 times and hold pressure. Open the bleeder screw 1/4 to 1/2 turn using a wrench. Fluid and air will flow through the hose. Close the bleeder screw before the assistant releases the pedal. Check the master cylinder reservoir and top off with fresh DOT 3 brake fluid.
   ⚠️Never let the master cylinder reservoir run empty during bleeding or air will enter the entire brake system.
   ⚠The bleeder screw is brass and easily stripped. Use the correct size wrench and do not overtighten.
   Torque spec

   Bleeder Screw10 Nm (7 lb-ft)
8. 8

   Complete brake bleeding procedure
   Repeat the bleeding process: assistant pumps brake pedal and holds, you open bleeder screw, fluid flows, close bleeder screw before pedal is released. Continue until no air bubbles appear in the clear hose and only clean brake fluid flows. This typically requires 5-10 repetitions. Tighten the bleeder screw to specification after the final bleeding cycle. Remove the bleeder hose and install the bleeder screw dust cap if equipped.
   ℹ️Maintain master cylinder fluid level throughout bleeding. Check and refill after every 3-4 pump cycles.
   Torque spec

   Bleeder Screw10 Nm (7 lb-ft)
9. 9

   Inspect for leaks and verify installation
   Thoroughly inspect the banjo bolt connection for any brake fluid seepage. Wipe the area clean and have your assistant apply moderate brake pedal pressure while you observe for leaks. Check that both caliper mounting bolts are tight. Verify the brake hose is not twisted or kinked. Inspect the master cylinder reservoir level and top off to the MAX line with fresh DOT 3 brake fluid.
   ⚠️Any brake fluid leak is a complete failure. Do not proceed if any leak is detected - re-torque banjo bolt or replace washers.
10. 10

    Reinstall wheel and perform final checks
    Clean the wheel mounting surface on the hub. Reinstall the wheel and thread all lug nuts by hand to prevent cross-threading. Tighten lug nuts in a star pattern to specification using a torque wrench. Lower the vehicle from jack stands to the ground. With the vehicle still in park or gear, pump the brake pedal 10-15 times until it feels firm and returns to normal height.
    ⚠️The brake pedal will initially go to the floor after caliper replacement. Pump pedal until firm BEFORE attempting to drive.

Reassembly

1. Torque all fasteners to specified values - brake components require precise torque for safety
2. Ensure new copper crush washers were used on banjo bolt connections
3. Verify brake fluid level in master cylinder reservoir is at MAX line
4. Confirm bleeder screw is fully tightened to prevent air entry and fluid loss

Verification

• With engine off, pump brake pedal 10-15 times - pedal should feel firm and consistent, not spongy
• Visually inspect banjo bolt connection for any brake fluid leaks while assistant applies pedal pressure
• Check brake fluid reservoir level - should be at MAX line with no air bubbles visible
• Perform a low-speed test drive (under 10 mph in a safe area) to verify brake function before normal driving
• During test drive, verify the vehicle pulls straight during braking with no pulling to either side
• After test drive, re-inspect banjo bolt and bleeder screw for leaks
• If pedal feels spongy or travels too far, repeat bleeding procedure - air remains in the system
• Consider having brake system professionally inspected if any abnormal behavior is detected

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