Brake Caliper Slide Pins

Service and lubricate brake caliper slide pins to ensure proper caliper movement and even brake pad wear, preventing uneven braking and premature component failure.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Silicone brake grease (high-temperature) × 1 — Use Honda Silicone Brake Grease or equivalent rated to 500°F
• Brake caliper slide pin boots (if damaged) × 4 — Use OEM specification

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level ground and engage parking brake
2. Place wheel chocks behind rear wheels
3. Loosen wheel lug nuts 1/4 turn while vehicle is on ground
4. Lift front of vehicle with floor jack at designated jacking points
5. Support vehicle securely on jack stands at frame rails
6. Remove front wheels completely
7. Verify caliper slide pins require service (sticky operation, corroded pins, torn boots, uneven pad wear)

Procedure

1. 1

   Remove caliper slide pin bolts
   Locate the two caliper slide pin bolts on the rear of the brake caliper (visible from behind the wheel hub). Using a 14mm socket or wrench, remove both caliper slide pin bolts completely. These bolts secure the caliper to the bracket and allow it to slide.
   Torque spec

   Caliper Slide Pin Bolts35 Nm (26 lb-ft)
2. 2

   Remove caliper from bracket
   Carefully pivot the caliper upward and away from the brake rotor. Support the caliper with mechanic's wire or place it on a stable surface near the suspension. Do not let it hang by the brake hose as this can damage the hose and cause brake failure.
   ⚠️Never allow brake caliper to hang unsupported by the brake hose. This will damage the hose and can cause complete brake failure.
3. 3

   Extract slide pins from bracket
   Pull the rubber dust boots away from the caliper bracket to expose the slide pins. Grasp each slide pin and pull it straight out of the bracket bore. If pins are stuck due to corrosion, gently twist while pulling. Note the orientation and condition of the dust boots for reassembly.
   ℹ️If slide pins are severely corroded or seized, the caliper bracket may require replacement. Pins should slide freely with minimal effort when properly lubricated.
4. 4

   Clean slide pins and bores
   Using a clean shop towel, thoroughly wipe all old grease from both slide pins. Use a wire brush or abrasive pad to remove any corrosion or debris from the pin surfaces. Clean the inside of the slide pin bores in the caliper bracket using a clean towel wrapped around your finger. Ensure no dirt, old grease, or debris remains in the bores.
   ⚠Inspect slide pins for scoring, pitting, or excessive wear. If pins show damage or wear grooves, replace them. Damaged pins will cause uneven braking and premature pad wear.
5. 5

   Inspect dust boots
   Carefully examine the rubber dust boots on both the pins and bracket for tears, cracks, or deterioration. The boots must be intact to prevent water and contaminants from entering the slide mechanism. Replace any damaged boots before reassembly.
   ℹ️Torn or damaged dust boots will allow moisture and road salt to corrode slide pins, leading to seized calipers and uneven brake wear within months.
6. 6

   Apply silicone brake grease
   Apply a generous coating of high-temperature silicone brake grease to the entire length of each slide pin. Ensure complete coverage but avoid excessive amounts that could attract dirt. Apply a thin layer of grease inside each slide pin bore in the bracket as well.
   ⚠Use ONLY silicone-based high-temperature brake grease rated to at least 500°F. Never use petroleum-based grease, anti-seize, or standard lubricants which will deteriorate rubber components and cause brake failure.
7. 7

   Reinstall slide pins
   Insert each greased slide pin straight into its bore in the caliper bracket. Push the pin in fully until it seats completely. Ensure the rubber dust boots properly seat around both the pin and the bracket bore opening, creating a complete seal against contamination.
   ℹ️Slide pins should move smoothly in and out with light finger pressure. If excessive force is required, remove the pin and inspect for contamination or damage.
8. 8

   Reinstall caliper
   Position the caliper back over the brake pads and rotor. Align the caliper slide pin bolt holes with the slide pins. If needed, use a C-clamp to gently compress the caliper piston to provide clearance over the brake pads. Apply a thin coating of silicone brake grease to the threads of the caliper slide pin bolts.
   Torque spec

   Caliper Slide Pin Bolts35 Nm (26 lb-ft)
9. 9

   Install and torque slide pin bolts
   Thread both caliper slide pin bolts by hand to prevent cross-threading. Using a torque wrench and 14mm socket, tighten both bolts to exactly 35.0 Nm (26.0 lb-ft). Verify the caliper can still pivot slightly on the pins before final torque, indicating proper installation.
   ⚠️CRITICAL: Improper torque on caliper slide pin bolts can result in caliper detachment during braking, causing complete loss of braking ability. Use a calibrated torque wrench and verify correct torque specification.
   Torque spec

   Caliper Slide Pin Bolts35 Nm (26 lb-ft)
10. 10

    Repeat for opposite side
    Perform steps 1-9 on the opposite front brake caliper to ensure balanced brake performance. Both sides must be serviced to maintain even braking characteristics.
11. 11

    Reinstall wheels
    Mount the front wheels back onto the hubs. Thread all lug nuts by hand to prevent cross-threading. Snug lug nuts in a star pattern with hand tools while vehicle is on jack stands. Lower vehicle to ground, then torque all lug nuts to 140.0 Nm (103.0 lb-ft) in a star pattern using a torque wrench.
    ⚠️CRITICAL: Improperly torqued lug nuts can cause wheel detachment while driving. Always use a calibrated torque wrench and follow star pattern tightening sequence.
    Torque spec

    Wheel Lug Nuts140 Nm (103 lb-ft)

Reassembly

1. Ensure all caliper slide pin bolts are torqued to specification
2. Verify dust boots are properly seated and intact on all slide pins
3. Confirm calipers are securely mounted and not contacting brake hoses
4. Check that no tools or materials were left in wheel wells

Verification

• Before driving, pump brake pedal 10-15 times until firm pedal resistance is achieved
• Start engine and verify brake pedal remains firm and does not sink
• Perform low-speed brake test (5-10 mph) in safe area to confirm proper brake function
• Listen for unusual noises during initial brake applications
• Test drive vehicle at increasing speeds up to 25 mph with multiple brake applications, verifying straight stopping with no pulling to either side
• Re-torque wheel lug nuts after 50-100 miles of driving
• Inspect for brake fluid leaks around caliper and brake hose connections
• Monitor brake performance over next several days for any changes in pedal feel or stopping distance

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