Brake Caliper - Rear

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

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Rear brake caliper assembly × 1 — Use OEM Honda part or equivalent
• Copper crush washers for banjo bolt × 2 — Two washers per banjo bolt fitting
• Threadlocker (medium strength) × 1 — Loctite 243 or equivalent

Fluids

• DOT 3 Brake Fluid — 1 qt

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level, solid surface and engage parking brake firmly
2. Remove approximately half the brake fluid from the master cylinder reservoir using a turkey baster or extraction pump to prevent overflow when compressing caliper piston
3. Loosen rear wheel lug nuts while vehicle is on the ground
4. Lift rear of vehicle using floor jack and secure with jack stands rated for vehicle weight at designated lift points
5. Remove rear wheel completely
6. Have a helper available to assist with brake bleeding procedure

Procedure

1. 1

   Remove caliper from bracket
   Locate the two caliper mounting bolts on the rear side of the caliper. Using a 14mm socket, remove both caliper mounting bolts. Support the caliper with your hand as you remove the second bolt to prevent it from falling. Do not let the caliper hang by the brake hose.
2. 2

   Support old caliper
   Carefully lift the caliper off the brake pads and rotor. Use wire or a bungee cord to hang the caliper from the suspension or chassis to prevent strain on the brake hose. Ensure the hose is not kinked or stretched.
3. 3

   Disconnect brake hose from caliper
   Place a brake fluid catch container under the banjo bolt connection. Using a 10mm wrench, remove the banjo bolt connecting the brake hose to the caliper. Immediately plug the hose opening with a clean rubber cap or wrap in clean plastic to minimize fluid loss and prevent contamination. Note the position of the copper crush washers (one on each side of the banjo fitting) and discard them.
   ⚠Brake fluid will drain from the hose and caliper. Catch all fluid and prevent contact with painted surfaces or brake components.
4. 4

   Remove old caliper
   Remove the wire or bungee cord and completely remove the old caliper from the vehicle. Inspect the caliper bracket and brake pads for damage or wear. If replacing only the caliper and reusing pads, ensure pads are not contaminated with brake fluid.
5. 5

   Prepare new caliper
   Remove the new caliper from its packaging. Verify it matches the old caliper in design and mounting points. Check that the caliper piston moves freely and that all bleeder screws and fittings are in place. Remove any protective caps or plugs from the brake hose inlet port.
6. 6

   Position new caliper
   Support the new caliper in position over the rotor and brake pads using wire or a bungee cord, ensuring the brake hose inlet port is accessible and oriented correctly for the hose connection. Do not force the caliper into position.
7. 7

   Connect brake hose to new caliper
   Install a NEW copper crush washer on each side of the banjo bolt fitting. Remove the plug from the brake hose. Thread the banjo bolt through the hose and into the caliper by hand to ensure proper alignment. Tighten the banjo bolt to the specified torque using a torque wrench.
   ⚠️Always use NEW copper crush washers. Reusing old washers will result in brake fluid leaks and potential brake failure.
8. 8

   Install caliper to bracket
   Remove the support wire or bungee cord. Position the caliper over the brake pads and rotor, aligning the mounting bolt holes with the caliper bracket. If needed, carefully compress the caliper piston using a brake caliper tool or C-clamp to allow clearance over the pads. Insert both caliper mounting bolts and hand-thread them completely before tightening.
9. 9

   Torque caliper mounting bolts
   Using a torque wrench, tighten the caliper mounting bolts to 97 Nm (71 lb-ft) in a criss-cross pattern. Verify both bolts are fully seated and torqued correctly.
10. 10

    Bleed rear brake caliper
    Locate the bleeder screw on the top rear of the caliper. Attach a clear vinyl hose to the bleeder screw and place the other end in a brake fluid catch container. Have a helper slowly depress the brake pedal and hold it down. Open the bleeder screw 1/4 to 1/2 turn using an 8mm wrench and observe fluid flowing through the clear hose. When flow stops, close the bleeder screw while the pedal is still depressed. Release the pedal. Repeat this process until no air bubbles appear in the fluid stream (typically 5-10 cycles). Keep the master cylinder reservoir filled with fresh DOT 3 brake fluid throughout this process.
    ⚠️Do not allow the master cylinder reservoir to run dry during bleeding or additional air will enter the system.
    ⚠Bleeder screws are fragile. Do not overtighten as they will break or strip easily.
    Torque spec

    Bleeder Screw10 Nm (7 lb-ft)
11. 11

    Final bleeder screw torque
    After bleeding is complete and no air bubbles remain, tighten the bleeder screw to 10 Nm (7 lb-ft) using a torque wrench. Remove the vinyl hose and wipe away any spilled brake fluid with a clean cloth.
    Torque spec

    Bleeder Screw10 Nm (7 lb-ft)
12. 12

    Reinstall wheel
    Clean the wheel hub surface of any rust or debris. Position the wheel onto the hub and hand-thread all lug nuts. Tighten lug nuts in a star pattern to seat the wheel, but do not fully torque yet.
13. 13

    Lower vehicle and final torque
    Carefully lower the vehicle from jack stands using the floor jack until the tire contacts the ground but the suspension is not fully loaded. Remove jack stands. Lower vehicle completely to the ground. Torque wheel lug nuts to 129 Nm (95 lb-ft) in a star pattern using a torque wrench.
14. 14

    Check brake fluid level and brake pedal
    Open the hood and check the brake fluid level in the master cylinder reservoir. Add fresh DOT 3 brake fluid to bring the level to the MAX line. Install the reservoir cap securely. Pump the brake pedal several times with the engine off. The pedal should feel firm and not sink to the floor. If the pedal feels soft or spongy, additional bleeding is required.

Reassembly

1. Repeat the entire procedure for the opposite rear caliper if replacing both sides (highly recommended for balanced braking)
2. Torque all fasteners to the specified values using a calibrated torque wrench
3. Ensure no tools or parts are left in the wheel well or under the vehicle

Verification

• With engine off, pump brake pedal 10-15 times. Pedal should become firm and hold pressure without sinking
• Check all brake line connections for leaks. Wipe connections dry, then press brake pedal firmly and inspect for fluid seepage
• Verify brake fluid reservoir is at MAX level and cap is secure
• Start engine and verify brake warning light is not illuminated on dashboard
• Test drive vehicle in safe area at low speed (under 15 mph). Apply brakes gently to verify proper operation. Brakes should engage smoothly without pulling to one side
• After test drive, recheck all torque values and inspect for leaks
• Perform a controlled stop from 25-30 mph in a safe location to verify full braking effectiveness
• If brake pedal feels soft, vehicle pulls to one side, or brake warning light illuminates, DO NOT DRIVE. Have vehicle towed to a professional technician

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