Brake Hose - Front

Replace the front brake hose connecting the brake line to the caliper, including proper bleeding and system verification to ensure safe brake operation.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Front brake hose × 1 — Use OEM Honda brake hose for correct fit
• Brake hose banjo bolt copper washers × 2 — 01469-S9A-000 or equivalent, 2 per banjo bolt
• Brake hose retaining clip (if equipped) × 1 — Inspect existing clip; replace if damaged

Fluids

• DOT 3 Brake Fluid — 0.5 qt

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level surface and apply parking brake
2. Place wheel chocks behind rear wheels
3. Loosen front wheel lug nuts while vehicle is on ground
4. Raise front of vehicle and secure on jack stands at proper lift points
5. Remove front wheel on side being serviced
6. Clean brake hose connections, banjo bolt, and bracket with wire brush to prevent contamination
7. Apply penetrating oil to banjo bolt and let soak 10-15 minutes if corrosion is present
8. Place drain pan under work area to catch brake fluid
9. Use turkey baster to remove some brake fluid from master cylinder reservoir to prevent overflow when disconnecting hose

Procedure

1. 1

   Remove banjo bolt at caliper
   Using a 14mm box wrench, loosen and remove the banjo bolt connecting the brake hose to the caliper. Be prepared for brake fluid to drain. Cap or plug the caliper port immediately with a clean rag or plug to minimize fluid loss and prevent contamination. Remove and discard both copper crush washers from the banjo bolt.
   ⚠Brake fluid will drain from this connection. Have drain pan positioned and rags ready.
2. 2

   Disconnect hose from brake line
   Using a flare nut wrench (10mm), carefully loosen the fitting where the flexible brake hose connects to the hard brake line at the strut or frame bracket. Hold the hose end fitting with another wrench to prevent twisting the hose. Once loose, unthread and separate the connection. Brake fluid will drain; be prepared to catch it.
   ⚠Use a flare nut wrench to prevent rounding off the fitting. A standard open-end wrench may damage the soft metal fitting.
3. 3

   Remove hose from mounting bracket
   Remove the retaining clip or bolt securing the brake hose to its bracket on the strut or chassis. On 2016-2021 Civic, this is typically a small bracket bolt. Carefully extract the hose from the bracket, noting its orientation and routing for reinstallation.
   ℹ️Take a photo of hose routing before removal to ensure correct installation of new hose.
   Torque spec

   Brake Hose Bracket10 Nm (7 lb-ft)
4. 4

   Inspect and prepare new brake hose
   Remove the new brake hose from packaging. Verify it matches the original in length, fitting types, and bracket configuration. Remove any protective caps from the fittings. Install NEW copper crush washers onto the banjo bolt (one on each side of the banjo fitting). Do not reuse old washers.
5. 5

   Install hose in mounting bracket
   Route the new brake hose through its mounting bracket on the strut or chassis in the same orientation as the original. Ensure the hose is not twisted and will have adequate clearance from suspension components, tire, and wheel throughout full steering range. Install the retaining clip or bracket bolt finger-tight.
6. 6

   Connect hose to hard brake line
   Thread the flexible hose fitting onto the hard brake line connection at the bracket. Start threads carefully by hand to avoid cross-threading. Once hand-tight, hold the hose end fitting with a wrench and tighten the connection securely with the flare nut wrench. Do not over-tighten; snug plus 1/4 turn is typical for brake line fittings.
   ⚠Cross-threading will ruin the fitting and cause brake fluid leaks. Start threads carefully by hand.
7. 7

   Secure hose bracket
   Verify the brake hose is properly positioned in its mounting bracket with no twisting. Tighten the bracket retaining bolt to specification using a torque wrench. Ensure the hose has proper clearance and routing.
   Torque spec

   Brake Hose Bracket10 Nm (7 lb-ft)
8. 8

   Install banjo bolt at caliper
   Remove the plug or rag from the caliper port. Position the brake hose banjo fitting against the caliper with a NEW copper crush washer on each side (between banjo and caliper, and between caliper and bolt head). Insert the banjo bolt and hand-tighten. Ensure the hose is oriented correctly with no twist. Torque the banjo bolt to specification.
   ⚠️Both copper washers MUST be new. Reused washers will leak and cause brake failure.
   Torque spec

   Brake Hose Banjo Bolt25 Nm (18 lb-ft)
9. 9

   Check hose routing and clearance
   Before bleeding, turn the steering wheel full lock left and right while checking that the brake hose does not contact the tire, wheel, suspension components, or reach its length limit. Verify the hose routing matches the original installation with no twisting or kinking.
   ⚠Hose contact with rotating components or insufficient clearance can cause hose failure and brake loss.
10. 10

    Fill brake fluid reservoir
    At the master cylinder under the hood, fill the brake fluid reservoir to the MAX line with fresh DOT 3 brake fluid from a sealed container. Keep the reservoir above the MIN line throughout the bleeding process.
11. 11

    Bleed the brake caliper
    Attach a clear hose to the caliper bleeder screw and submerge the other end in a container with clean brake fluid. Have an assistant pump the brake pedal 3-4 times and hold pressure. Open the bleeder screw 1/2 turn and allow fluid to flow until the pedal reaches the floor. Close the bleeder before releasing the pedal. Repeat until fluid flows with no air bubbles. Check reservoir level frequently and refill as needed. Torque bleeder screw to specification when complete.
    ⚠️Never let the reservoir run dry or air will enter the ABS system, requiring professional bleeding with a scan tool.
    Torque spec

    Bleeder Screw13 Nm (10 lb-ft)
12. 12

    Inspect all connections for leaks
    Wipe all brake connections clean and dry with a rag. Have an assistant firmly press the brake pedal and hold pressure. Carefully inspect the banjo bolt connection at the caliper and the threaded connection at the hard brake line for any signs of brake fluid leakage. If any leaks are found, do not drive the vehicle; correct the issue immediately.
    ⚠️Any brake fluid leak is a critical safety issue. Do not operate the vehicle if leaks are present.
13. 13

    Reinstall wheel and lower vehicle
    Install the wheel and hand-tighten lug nuts in a star pattern. Lower the vehicle until the tire just touches the ground. Torque lug nuts to specification in a star pattern. Fully lower vehicle and remove jack stands.
    Torque spec

    Wheel Lug Nuts129 Nm (95 lb-ft)

Reassembly

1. Top off brake fluid reservoir to MAX line with fresh DOT 3 fluid
2. Ensure master cylinder reservoir cap is securely tightened
3. Wipe any spilled brake fluid from components and wash with water if it contacted paint
4. Pump brake pedal several times until firm resistance is felt

Verification

• With engine off, pump brake pedal several times. Pedal should become firm and hold steady pressure without sinking
• Start engine and verify pedal height does not drop excessively (power assist will make pedal feel softer but it should remain firm)
• Perform a low-speed brake test in a safe area (parking lot or driveway) to verify proper braking function and no pedal issues
• Recheck all connections for leaks after test
• Check brake fluid level; top off if needed
• Test drive at progressively higher speeds in a safe area, verifying straight stops with no pulling and firm pedal feel
• Perform final visual inspection of brake hose routing and clearance with steering at full lock both directions

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