Brake Rotor - Rear Single

This procedure covers the removal and replacement of a single rear brake rotor on a 2018-2024 Honda Accord with the 1.5L turbo engine, including caliper removal and proper torque specifications.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Rear brake rotor × 1 — Honda OEM 42510-TVA-A00 or equivalent
• Rotor set screw × 1 — Use OEM specification if corroded

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level, solid surface and engage parking brake
2. Place wheel chocks in front of front wheels
3. Loosen rear wheel lug nuts 1/4 turn while vehicle is on ground (do not remove)
4. Lift rear of vehicle with floor jack at designated rear jacking point
5. Place jack stands under rear subframe or designated support points
6. Lower vehicle onto jack stands and verify stability before working underneath
7. Remove wheel lug nuts completely and remove wheel
8. Inspect brake system for fluid leaks, damaged hoses, or other issues before proceeding

Procedure

1. 1

   Retract brake caliper piston
   Before removing caliper, open the brake fluid reservoir cap slightly to allow fluid to flow back. Use a brake caliper piston tool or C-clamp to slowly push the caliper piston back into its bore. This provides clearance for removal and prevents overfilling the reservoir. Monitor reservoir and remove fluid with turkey baster if necessary to prevent overflow. Replace reservoir cap when done.
   ⚠Brake fluid is corrosive to paint. Wipe up any spills immediately and avoid contact with vehicle finish.
2. 2

   Remove caliper slide pin bolts
   Locate the two caliper slide pin bolts on the rear of the caliper assembly (accessible from behind). Use a 14mm socket or wrench to remove both slide pin bolts. Keep these bolts and any washers together for reinstallation. The caliper can now pivot away from the rotor.
   Torque spec

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

   Remove and support caliper
   Carefully lift the caliper assembly off the rotor and bracket. Do NOT disconnect the brake hose. Use wire, a bungee cord, or zip ties to hang the caliper from the suspension spring or another stable component. Ensure no tension or weight is on the rubber brake hose. The caliper should be supported at a similar height to its mounted position.
   ⚠️Never allow caliper to hang by the brake hose alone. This can cause internal damage and brake failure.
4. 4

   Remove caliper bracket
   Using a 17mm socket, remove the two caliper bracket bolts that secure the bracket to the hub assembly. These bolts are typically on the top and bottom of the bracket. The bracket may be tight; use a breaker bar if needed. Remove the caliper bracket completely.
   Torque spec

   Caliper Bracket Bolts97 Nm (71 lb-ft)
5. 5

   Remove rotor set screw and rotor
   Use a Phillips screwdriver to remove the rotor set screw (retention screw) in the face of the rotor. If corroded or stripped, use an impact driver or carefully drill out. Once set screw is removed, pull the rotor straight off the hub. If rotor is stuck due to rust, apply penetrating oil around the hub center and tap the rotor from behind with a rubber mallet. Do not strike rotor face.
   ⚠Rotor may be corroded to hub. Do not damage hub surface or ABS tone ring during removal.
   Torque spec

   Rotor Set Screws6 Nm (5 lb-ft)
6. 6

   Clean hub surface
   With rotor removed, use a wire brush to clean rust and debris from the hub mounting surface. The surface should be clean and smooth to ensure the new rotor seats flat. Clean the hub center bore as well. Inspect the wheel studs for damage and the ABS tone ring (if visible) for cracks or damage.
7. 7

   Prepare and install new rotor
   Remove new rotor from packaging. Clean both sides of the new rotor with brake cleaner to remove protective coating or oil. Apply a thin coat of anti-seize compound to the hub center bore and rotor mounting surface (avoid brake surface). Slide new rotor onto hub, aligning screw hole. Install rotor set screw and tighten to specification.
   ⚠Do not apply grease or anti-seize to rotor braking surfaces. Contamination will severely reduce braking performance.
   Torque spec

   Rotor Set Screws6 Nm (5 lb-ft)
8. 8

   Reinstall caliper bracket
   Position the caliper bracket over the rotor and align with mounting holes on the hub assembly. Install both caliper bracket bolts and hand-tighten. Using a torque wrench and 17mm socket, torque both bracket bolts to specification in a cross pattern.
   Torque spec

   Caliper Bracket Bolts97 Nm (71 lb-ft)
9. 9

   Inspect and lubricate slide pins
   Before reinstalling caliper, inspect the slide pin bolts and rubber boots for damage, tears, or excessive wear. Clean slide pins with brake cleaner. Apply fresh silicone brake grease to the slide pin shafts per manufacturer specification. Ensure boots are properly seated.
   ℹ️Do not use petroleum-based grease on brake components. Use only silicone brake grease designed for brake systems.
10. 10

    Reinstall caliper
    Remove caliper from support wire. Position caliper over the rotor and bracket, ensuring brake pads align with rotor surfaces. Insert both caliper slide pin bolts and hand-tighten. Using a torque wrench and 14mm socket, torque both slide pin bolts to specification.
    Torque spec

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

    Reinstall wheel and lower vehicle
    Mount wheel onto hub, ensuring it seats fully against the rotor hat. Install all lug nuts and hand-tighten in a star pattern. Raise vehicle slightly with floor jack to remove weight from jack stands. Remove jack stands and carefully lower vehicle to ground. With vehicle on ground, torque lug nuts to specification in a star pattern using torque wrench.
    Torque spec

    Wheel Lug Nuts108 Nm (80 lb-ft)

Reassembly

1. Ensure all fasteners are torqued to specification with calibrated torque wrench
2. Verify brake hose has no kinks, twists, or tension
3. Check brake fluid reservoir level and top off with DOT 3 brake fluid if needed (do not overfill)
4. Verify caliper is properly secured and moves freely on slide pins

Verification

• Sit in driver's seat and pump brake pedal firmly 5-10 times until pedal feels firm and consistent
• With engine running, apply firm brake pressure and verify pedal does not sink to floor
• Before moving vehicle, ensure parking brake is released and brake pedal has normal resistance
• Perform a low-speed test drive (5-10 mph) in a safe area and verify brakes engage smoothly without pulling or noise
• Perform 10-15 gentle brake applications from 30 mph to properly bed-in new rotor with existing pads
• After test drive, re-check all lug nuts are torqued properly
• After 50-100 miles, inspect rotor and caliper area for any signs of leaks, unusual wear, or looseness

Related trouble codes on this vehicle

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

Chasing one of these codes and not sure which part is guilty? Ask a master mechanic about YOUR car →

More procedures for this vehicle