Brake Rotors - Rear Pair

This procedure covers removal and replacement of rear brake rotors on a 2018-2024 Honda Accord 1.5L Turbo, including caliper removal, bracket removal, and proper torque specifications for safety-critical brake components.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Rear brake rotors × 2 — Use OEM Honda rotors or quality aftermarket matching OE specifications
• Rotor set screws (if reusing) × 2 — M5 x 10mm Phillips

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level, solid ground and engage parking brake
2. Place wheel chocks in front of front wheels
3. Open hood and locate brake fluid reservoir. Check fluid level and remove some fluid if near MAX line to prevent overflow when compressing pistons
4. If equipped with electronic parking brake (EPB), use a scan tool to enter service mode or consult service manual for manual retraction procedure
5. Loosen rear wheel lug nuts 1/4 turn while vehicle is still on ground
6. Lift rear of vehicle with floor jack at designated jacking points and support on jack stands at manufacturer-specified support points
7. Remove rear wheels completely and set aside

Procedure

1. 1

   Inspect brake system condition
   Before beginning work, inspect the brake caliper, brake hose, brake pads, and surrounding components for damage, leaks, or excessive wear. Look for fluid leaks at caliper bleeder screw, banjo bolt, and brake hose connections. If any damage or leaks are found, additional repairs will be required. Note brake pad thickness for replacement if needed.
2. 2

   Remove caliper slide pin bolts
   Using a 14mm socket or wrench, remove the two caliper slide pin bolts that secure the caliper to the caliper bracket. These are located on the back side of the caliper assembly. Support the caliper as you remove the second bolt. Note: These are the smaller bolts that allow the caliper to slide, NOT the large bracket bolts.
   ⚠Do not remove the caliper bracket bolts at this step. Only remove the caliper slide pin bolts.
   Torque spec

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

   Remove and support caliper
   Carefully lift the caliper off the caliper bracket and brake pads. Do NOT let it hang by the brake hose. Use a wire hook, bungee cord, or zip ties to securely hang the caliper from the suspension or chassis. Ensure there is no tension or strain on the brake hose. The caliper should be supported at approximately the same height as when installed.
   ⚠️Allowing the caliper to hang by the brake hose can damage the hose internally, potentially causing brake failure. Always properly support the caliper.
4. 4

   Remove brake pads
   Remove the brake pads from the caliper bracket. Note the position and orientation of any pad shims or anti-rattle clips for reinstallation. If reusing pads (not recommended when replacing rotors), mark them for correct side and position. Inspect pad thickness and condition; pads should typically be replaced when installing new rotors.
5. 5

   Remove caliper bracket
   Using a 17mm socket or wrench, remove the two large caliper bracket bolts that secure the bracket to the steering knuckle. These bolts may be very tight and may require a breaker bar. Once removed, lift the caliper bracket off the rotor and set aside.
   ⚠Caliper bracket bolts are typically very tight. Use proper sized tools to avoid rounding bolt heads. A breaker bar or impact wrench may be necessary.
   Torque spec

   Caliper Bracket Bolts97 Nm (71 lb-ft)
6. 6

   Remove rotor set screw
   If present, use a Phillips screwdriver to remove the small rotor set screw that secures the rotor to the hub. This screw may be corroded or tight; use penetrating oil if necessary. If the screw head strips, it may be necessary to drill it out. Note: This screw is for assembly purposes and can be omitted during reinstallation as the wheel holds the rotor in place.
   Torque spec

   Rotor Set Screws6 Nm (5 lb-ft)
7. 7

   Remove old rotor
   Pull the rotor straight off the wheel hub. If the rotor is stuck due to corrosion, tap it from behind with a rubber mallet alternating around the rotor face. Do not strike the rotor face or braking surface. If severely stuck, apply penetrating oil around the hub/rotor interface and allow to soak, then retry. Thread bolts into the threaded holes (if present) to push the rotor off if necessary.
   ⚠Do not strike the rotor braking surface or use heat, as this can warp or damage the rotor.
8. 8

   Clean hub surface
   Using a wire brush, thoroughly clean the hub mounting surface, removing all rust, corrosion, and debris. The hub face must be completely clean and smooth for the new rotor to sit flush. Any debris or high spots will cause rotor runout and brake pulsation. Clean the wheel hub pilot surface as well. Wipe clean with a lint-free cloth.
   ⚠Contamination or uneven surfaces between hub and rotor will cause brake pulsation and uneven pad wear. Ensure hub surface is completely clean and smooth.
9. 9

   Prepare and install new rotor
   Remove new rotor from packaging. Clean both sides of the new rotor with brake cleaner to remove any protective coating or oils from manufacturing. Apply a thin coat of anti-seize compound to the hub mating surface (not on the rotor braking surface). Slide the new rotor onto the hub, ensuring it sits completely flush against the hub face. If using the rotor set screw, thread it in by hand first.
   ⚠Do not get anti-seize, grease, or oil on the rotor braking surfaces. Contaminated rotors will cause reduced braking and noise.
   Torque spec

   Rotor Set Screws6 Nm (5 lb-ft)
10. 10

    Reinstall caliper bracket
    Position the caliper bracket over the new rotor and align the mounting holes with the steering knuckle. Thread both caliper bracket bolts in by hand first to ensure proper thread engagement. Using a torque wrench and 17mm socket, tighten both caliper bracket bolts to exactly 97 Nm (71 lb-ft) in an alternating pattern.
    ⚠️Caliper bracket bolt torque is CRITICAL. Under-torqued bolts can loosen during operation causing complete brake failure. Use a calibrated torque wrench.
    Torque spec

    Caliper Bracket Bolts97 Nm (71 lb-ft)
11. 11

    Compress caliper piston
    Before reinstalling the caliper, the piston(s) must be compressed fully into the caliper bore to accommodate the new, thicker rotor and brake pads. Use a brake caliper piston tool or large C-clamp to slowly compress the piston(s). For rear calipers with integrated parking brake, the piston may need to be rotated while compressing (clockwise typically). Monitor the brake fluid reservoir during this process to ensure it does not overflow.
    ⚠Some rear calipers have pistons that must be rotated while being compressed due to parking brake mechanism. Forcing the piston without rotating may damage the caliper. Consult service manual if unsure.
12. 12

    Install brake pads
    Clean the caliper bracket pad contact areas with a wire brush. Apply a thin layer of silicone brake grease to the pad slide areas on the caliper bracket (not on the pad friction material). Install new brake pads into the caliper bracket with the friction material facing the rotor. Ensure any shims and anti-rattle clips are properly positioned per manufacturer specifications.
13. 13

    Reinstall caliper and slide pins
    Remove the caliper from its supported position. Clean the slide pin bores in the caliper bracket if necessary. Apply fresh silicone brake grease to the slide pin bolts as specified. Position the caliper over the brake pads and bracket. Thread both slide pin bolts in by hand first. Using a torque wrench and 14mm socket, tighten both caliper slide pin bolts to exactly 35 Nm (26 lb-ft).
    ⚠️Caliper slide pin bolt torque is CRITICAL. Incorrect torque can cause uneven pad wear, brake drag, or caliper detachment. Use a calibrated torque wrench.
    ℹ️Silicone brake grease must be applied to slide pins to ensure proper caliper movement and prevent seizing.
    Torque spec

    Caliper Slide Pin Bolts35 Nm (26 lb-ft)
14. 14

    Repeat for opposite side
    Perform steps 1 through 13 on the opposite rear wheel to replace the second rotor. It is critical to replace brake rotors in pairs (both rear rotors) to maintain balanced braking performance.
15. 15

    Reinstall wheels and lower vehicle
    Clean the wheel hub mounting surface and wheel mating surface. Mount the rear wheels onto the hubs, threading lug nuts by hand first. Using a torque wrench and 19mm socket, tighten lug nuts in a star/cross pattern to exactly 108 Nm (80 lb-ft). Lower vehicle from jack stands to the ground. With vehicle weight on wheels, re-torque lug nuts again in star pattern to 108 Nm (80 lb-ft) to final specification.
    ⚠️Wheel lug nut torque is CRITICAL for safety. Must be torqued in star pattern to prevent wheel warping and ensure even clamping force. Re-torque after lowering vehicle.
    Torque spec

    Wheel Lug Nuts108 Nm (80 lb-ft)

Reassembly

1. Check brake fluid level in reservoir and top off with DOT 3 brake fluid if needed, bringing level to MAX line
2. If electronic parking brake was placed in service mode, exit service mode using scan tool or appropriate procedure
3. Pump brake pedal slowly several times until firm pedal is achieved before moving vehicle
4. Before driving, verify brake pedal is firm and returns to proper position

Verification

• Start engine and pump brake pedal multiple times. Pedal should be firm and consistent, not spongy or going to the floor
• Check brake fluid reservoir level - should be at MAX line with no leaks visible
• Perform a low-speed brake test (5-10 mph) in a safe area to verify brakes engage smoothly without pulling, noise, or vibration
• Perform initial bedding procedure: Make 10-15 gentle stops from 30-40 mph with 30 seconds of driving between each stop to allow cooling. Avoid hard braking for first 200 miles
• Re-check wheel lug nut torque after first 50-100 miles of driving
• If brake pedal feels soft, brake warning light illuminates, or any unusual brake behavior occurs, DO NOT DRIVE and have vehicle inspected by a professional immediately
• After bedding period, verify no brake noise, vibration, or pulling occurs during normal driving and braking

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