Brake Pads - Rear

Replace rear brake pads on 2018-2024 Honda Accord 1.5L Turbo, including caliper service and proper torque specifications.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Rear brake pad set (left and right) × 1 — Use OEM specification or equivalent ceramic pads
• Brake pad shims and hardware kit × 1 — Often included with quality pad sets

Fluids

• DOT 3 Brake Fluid — 0.25 qt

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level, solid ground and engage parking brake firmly
2. Loosen rear wheel lug nuts 1/4 turn while vehicle is on ground
3. Raise rear of vehicle with floor jack at designated jacking points and secure with jack stands under frame rails
4. Remove rear wheels completely and set aside
5. Check brake fluid level in master cylinder reservoir - if near MAX line, remove some fluid with turkey baster to prevent overflow when compressing pistons
6. Inspect brake rotors for scoring, excessive wear, or warping - minimum thickness is typically stamped on rotor hub

Procedure

1. 1

   Remove caliper slide pin bolts
   Locate the two caliper slide pin bolts on the rear of the caliper assembly. These are typically 12mm or 14mm bolts. Remove the lower slide pin bolt completely while supporting the caliper. On this model, you may only need to remove the lower bolt to pivot the caliper upward, or remove both bolts to completely remove the caliper. For this procedure, remove only the lower slide pin bolt to pivot the caliper up.
2. 2

   Pivot caliper upward and secure
   Carefully pivot the brake caliper upward on the upper slide pin. Do NOT let the caliper hang by the rubber brake hose as this can damage the hose internally. Secure the caliper to the suspension or strut using a wire or bungee cord to support its weight.
   ⚠Never allow the brake caliper to hang freely by the brake hose. Internal hose damage may not be visible but can cause brake failure.
3. 3

   Remove old brake pads and hardware
   Remove the old brake pads from the caliper bracket. Note the orientation and position of any anti-rattle clips, shims, or springs. Take a photo if needed for reference during reassembly. Remove and discard any old pad shims or clips that will be replaced with new hardware.
4. 4

   Inspect caliper slide pins and clean bracket
   With the caliper pivoted up, inspect both caliper slide pins for wear, corrosion, or damage. The pins should slide smoothly with no binding. Clean the caliper bracket mounting surfaces with a wire brush, removing any rust, debris, or old pad material. Spray with brake cleaner and wipe clean. Ensure the pad contact areas on the bracket are smooth.
5. 5

   Compress caliper piston
   Using a C-clamp or brake caliper piston tool, slowly compress the caliper piston fully into its bore. Position the clamp against the back of the caliper body and the inner brake pad surface or piston. Compress slowly and watch the brake fluid reservoir - it should rise but not overflow. If the piston is difficult to compress or won't move, the caliper may need replacement.
   ⚠Compressing the piston forces old brake fluid back into the master cylinder and reservoir. Monitor reservoir level to prevent overflow.
6. 6

   Lubricate slide pins
   Remove the upper slide pin bolt and extract both slide pins from the caliper bracket. Clean the pins thoroughly with brake cleaner and inspect the rubber dust boots for tears or damage. Apply a thin layer of high-temperature silicone brake grease to the smooth portion of each slide pin (do not contaminate the threaded portion). Reinstall the pins into the bracket, ensuring the dust boots seat properly.
7. 7

   Install new brake pad hardware and shims
   Install new anti-rattle clips, springs, and any other hardware included with the brake pad set onto the caliper bracket. Apply a thin layer of brake grease to the backing plates of the new brake pads where they contact the shims (if applicable). Install new shims onto the brake pads according to manufacturer instructions.
8. 8

   Install new brake pads
   Install the new inner and outer brake pads into the caliper bracket, ensuring they are properly seated in the mounting hardware and can move slightly. The pad with the wear indicator (if equipped) typically goes on the inner position. Verify the pads are positioned correctly and the friction material faces the rotor.
9. 9

   Reinstall caliper and torque bolts
   Lower the caliper down over the new brake pads, ensuring it seats properly on both slide pins. Apply medium-strength threadlocker to the slide pin bolt threads. Install the slide pin bolts and torque to specification using a torque wrench. Verify the caliper can move freely on the slide pins after torquing.
   ⚠️Caliper bolts are CRITICAL safety fasteners. Use a calibrated torque wrench and verify proper torque. Under-torqued bolts can loosen causing complete brake failure.
   Torque spec

   Caliper Slide Pin Bolts30 Nm (22 lb-ft)
10. 10

    Repeat for opposite side
    Repeat steps 1 through 9 for the opposite rear wheel. Always replace brake pads in axle sets (both rear wheels) to maintain balanced braking performance.
11. 11

    Reinstall wheels and torque lug nuts
    Reinstall both rear wheels, threading lug nuts by hand first to prevent cross-threading. Tighten lug nuts in a star pattern snug but not final torque. Lower vehicle to ground, then torque lug nuts to specification in a star pattern using a torque wrench.
    ⚠️Wheel lug nuts must be torqued in a star pattern to ensure even clamping force. Improper torque can cause wheel detachment.
    Torque spec

    Wheel Lug Nuts108 Nm (80 lb-ft)

Reassembly

1. Before starting engine, pump brake pedal slowly several times until pedal becomes firm - this repositions the caliper pistons against the new pads
2. Check brake fluid level in reservoir and top off with DOT 3 brake fluid to MAX line if needed - do not overfill
3. Start engine and verify brake pedal feel - pedal should be firm and not sink to floor with constant pressure
4. Do NOT drive vehicle if brake pedal feels soft, spongy, or goes to the floor - bleed brake system or seek professional service

Verification

• Pump brake pedal 10-15 times with engine off - pedal should become progressively firmer and hold pressure without sinking
• With engine running, apply firm brake pressure and hold for 30 seconds - pedal should remain firm without fading
• Perform a low-speed brake test in a safe area (5-10 mph) to verify brakes engage smoothly without pulling to one side
• Visually inspect that caliper slide pin bolts are secure and torqued properly, and that no brake fluid is leaking from any connections
• After first 50-100 miles, re-torque wheel lug nuts to specification and re-inspect caliper bolts
• Bed in new brake pads by performing 8-10 moderate stops from 30-40 mph with gradual cooling between stops, avoiding hard braking for first 200-300 miles
• Monitor brake performance during break-in period - any abnormal noise, vibration, pulling, or reduced stopping power requires immediate inspection

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