1.5L I4 TurboFWDCVTgasturbo
4 active safety recalls on this vehicle — view recalls
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brakes

Brake Drum - Rear

for 2021 Honda Accord 1.5L I4 Turbo · FWD
Editorial review:Chris HacklemanMaster Technician · 20+ years
Difficulty
Moderate
Time
30 min
Tools
8
Steps
9
Expert-verified. Personally reviewed and approved by OLP's master technicians (Chris Hackleman — 20+ years each). Always follow the vehicle's factory service information and torque specs.

This procedure addresses a brake drum replacement on the rear of a 2018-2024 Honda Accord 1.5L Turbo. Note: This vehicle uses rear disc brakes, not drum brakes; verify your specific vehicle configuration before proceeding.

Warnings

⚠️SAFETY-CRITICAL JOB: Brake system failures can result in loss of vehicle control, serious injury, or death. If you are uncertain about any step, seek professional service immediately.
⚠️The 2018-2024 Honda Accord 1.5L Turbo is typically equipped with REAR DISC BRAKES, not drum brakes. Verify your vehicle's actual brake configuration before proceeding. This procedure assumes a rear disc brake configuration.
Never work under a vehicle supported only by a jack. Always use jack stands rated for the vehicle weight.
Do not press the brake pedal while the caliper is removed or pads are separated, as this will extend the piston and require resetting.
ℹ️If replacing rotors, replace in axle pairs (both rear rotors) to maintain balanced braking performance.

Tools required

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Parts

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Preparation

  1. Park vehicle on level ground and engage parking brake
  2. Loosen rear wheel lug nuts 1/4 turn while vehicle is on ground
  3. Lift rear of vehicle with floor jack and secure with jack stands under manufacturer-recommended lift points
  4. Remove rear wheels completely
  5. Verify brake fluid reservoir level and ensure it is not overfilled (fluid may overflow when pistons are compressed)

Procedure

  1. 1
    Remove rear caliper slide pin bolts
    Locate the caliper slide pin bolts on the rear caliper. Remove both slide pin bolts using the appropriate socket. Support the caliper to prevent it from hanging by the brake hose.
    Torque spec
    Caliper Slide Pin Bolts35 Nm (26 lb-ft)
  2. 2
    Secure caliper assembly
    Carefully lift the caliper assembly off the rotor and bracket. Do NOT let the caliper hang by the brake hose. Use a caliper hanger or secure wire to hang the caliper from the suspension or chassis. Keep the brake hose free from tension and kinks.
    Never allow the caliper to hang by the brake hose, as this can damage the hose internally and cause brake failure.
  3. 3
    Remove brake rotor
    If the rotor has retaining screws, remove them with a Phillips or JIS screwdriver. Pull the rotor straight off the hub. If the rotor is stuck due to corrosion, use a rubber mallet to tap it gently from behind, alternating sides. Do not strike the rotor face or edges with excessive force.
    ℹ️Rotors may be seized to the hub by rust. Penetrating oil applied to the hub face may help if the rotor is difficult to remove.
  4. 4
    Clean hub surface
    Use a wire brush to clean any rust, corrosion, or debris from the wheel hub mounting surface. Ensure the hub surface is flat and clean to prevent rotor runout and vibration.
    ℹ️Use brake cleaner to remove any oil or grease from the hub surface and new rotor surfaces before installation.
  5. 5
    Install new or resurfaced rotor
    If installing a new rotor, remove any protective coating with brake cleaner. Slide the rotor onto the hub, aligning the holes. If equipped, install and tighten any retaining screws to secure the rotor during reassembly. Ensure the rotor sits flush against the hub.
    ℹ️New rotors often have an oil-based protective coating that must be removed with brake cleaner to prevent contamination and brake noise.
  6. 6
    Compress caliper piston
    Before reinstalling the caliper, compress the caliper piston(s) using a C-clamp or brake piston tool. Place the tool against the piston and the back of the caliper body, then slowly compress until the piston is fully retracted. Monitor the brake fluid reservoir to ensure it does not overflow.
    Compressing the piston will push brake fluid back into the reservoir. If the reservoir is too full, remove excess fluid with a turkey baster or syringe before compressing to prevent overflow.
  7. 7
    Reinstall caliper assembly
    Remove the caliper from its hanger. Apply a thin coat of silicone brake grease to the slide pin shafts (not the threads). Position the caliper over the rotor and bracket. Install both caliper slide pin bolts and tighten to the specified torque in a crisscross pattern.
    Apply silicone brake grease to slide pins as specified. Do not use petroleum-based grease, as it will damage rubber seals.
    Torque spec
    Caliper Slide Pin Bolts35 Nm (26 lb-ft)
  8. 8
    Reinstall wheel
    Place the wheel onto the hub and hand-thread all lug nuts. Lower the vehicle until the tire just contacts the ground (still supported by jack). Torque the lug nuts to specification in a star pattern. Fully lower the vehicle and recheck lug nut torque.
    Torque spec
    Wheel Lug Nuts140 Nm (103 lb-ft)
  9. 9
    Pump brake pedal and check operation
    Before driving, sit in the driver's seat and pump the brake pedal several times until it becomes firm. The pedal should build pressure and feel normal. Check the brake fluid reservoir level and top off with DOT 3 brake fluid if necessary.
    ⚠️DO NOT DRIVE the vehicle until the brake pedal is firm and pressure is restored. Failure to pump the brakes after caliper service will result in no braking on the first pedal application.

Reassembly

  1. Repeat procedure for opposite rear wheel to maintain balanced braking
  2. Check brake fluid level after completing both sides and top off with DOT 3 brake fluid if needed
  3. Dispose of old rotors and any used brake fluid according to local regulations

Verification

  • Pump brake pedal until firm before starting vehicle
  • Perform a low-speed brake test in a safe area to verify proper brake operation
  • Check for vibrations, noises, or pulling to one side during braking
  • Verify brake fluid level is within MIN/MAX marks on reservoir
  • Road test vehicle at various speeds and verify normal brake pedal feel and stopping power
  • After 50-100 miles, recheck wheel lug nut torque

Related trouble codes on this vehicle

Codes that commonly send this job to the bay — tap one for symptoms, causes, and diagnostic steps.

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More procedures for this vehicle

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